Christmas eve we opened our presents. Here are a few photos from the day:

Tanner with his new Ben 10/lego figures. He was really excited to discover that with the two new additions to his collection he could make "the alien"!









Elena got a new babydoll. She unwrapped the package and squeeled--It's just the one I had been wanting! Good job, Grammy & Grandpa! Here she is carrying "Big Baby" in a sling.















Aside from a basketball, Alia got books. In case you didn't know, Alia loves books! This one was the CS Lewis "Narnia" series all in one cover. (Hmm. I wonder if I'll be able to get my hands on that book any time soon?!)














And, we had snow. Not just any snow, real thick, heavy, wet, snowball snow. Martin made 3' diameter snowballs. This Minas Tirith fort (entrance to the cave is on the other side) had a base of 3 or 4 huge snowballs--rolling snowballs helped clear off the driveway!--with extra snow piled on top. Something about the way we piled the snow led Martin to think of the white city and he and the kids did a great job!

It's Christmas time! The kids all helped decorate the tree. We parents did the traditional, "You have too many balls in that one spot...spread them out!" comments, but only once or twice. The kids enjoy rediscovering the ornaments they have made over the years and putting them on the tree.








Another Christmas tradition: frosted cookies--YUMM! This year none of the kids needed direct parental supervision. Granted, Elena's cookies had more sugary sprinkles than anyone else's, but she enjoyed the art/process!


Merry Christmas!

December is a time for activities at school! Alia performed as an Oompa-Loompa in her 5th grade class' version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory! She practiced so much at home that her little 4 year old sister knows the beginning of her lines too! :)





The 5th grade band performed last night. Alia trumpeted great! By the last song (of about twenty short pieces!), she looked relaxed and was enjoying herself!

Way to go, Alia!!! :)