Christmas 2009

The decorations have been down for a few days, the boxes have gone with the garbage and the exchanges have been made, but we still have great memories of Christmas 2009!

M had to work on Christmas Eve, so we did our traditional Christmas Eve present unwrapping early. M had the giggles during the picture.

We started Christmas Eve at Grandma Trusty's house. When we came home, L wrote a letter to Santa and put out the cookies and milk.

He made sure to move the fireplace screen to the side so that Santa didn't knock it over and make a lot of noise (Santa is noisy)!

Here is L and Chloe while L models his new PJ's.

Then, we just sat around and waited for Santa to arrive...

And despite all of the threats and warnings during the year, Santa delivered as usual! Here is our sad little "Santa Tree" that sits downstairs for Santa to put the presents under.

L and M have to stay upstairs until we check things out and make sure Santa actually came. It is the longest 30 seconds of their lives!

Opening presents...

Grandma and Grandpa always swing by on Christmas morning to see what everyone got. After we get ready for the day, we go to their house to celebrate.

L got a new putter from the Kearns Family. I don't know what he thought was better; the putter, or the fact that his Uncle Jason picked it out for him!

We spent the rest of the day eating yummy food (the only time of the year M gets funeral potatoes!)

The day after Christmas, we had a few exchanges to make and some shopping to do!

We hope your Christmas was as memorable as ours. We wish you all a great 2010!

Ebelskivers!

Jason, Katie and Bailey gave me an Ebelskivers pan for Christmas. What is an ebelskiver you ask? Well, it is originally from Denmark and is a snack or dessert. It is a puffy pancake filled with fillings or topped with toppings. Basically, it is just yumminess! We filled our ebelskivers with blackberry jelly, but will soon be trying the lemon custard-filled ebelskivers. Thanks Kearns Family! I'll show you pictures of me in my new apron soon (or not)!

Happy Birthday L!

12 years ago, Santa brought me the best Christmas present a mom could get. But...as the years have passed, this present has grown and changed and most days I still think it is the best Christmas gift a mom could get... most days (not like yesterday when we spent FOUR hours cleaning his bedroom - grrr)!

All that L wanted for his birthday was a certain pair of soccer boots. He picked them out about a month before his birthday, but did a good job of faking his surprise when he unwrapped them.

He really WAS surprised when he opened up a box of frogs!

We celebrated on Friday with dinner at El Matador with Grandma and Grandpa and then again on Saturday with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and a movie (Invictus) at the Gateway.

As if two days of celebration wasn't enough, the next day, he was made a Deacon at church. He looked so handsome (you can't call a 12-year old cute anymore, I guess) in his new blazer and tie! Grandma and Grandpa came to the ordination.

And his serious face...

Happy 12th Birthday L!