Christmas Night

Each Christmas we go to my grandparents - this year was no exception. Here are a few photos from the evening. I didn't take too many photos as Kendyl was a bit fussy (and my back is still hurting).

Steven loved being Uncle Seth's helper in handing out the gifts. Kendyl got a really sweet gift from my grandparents - a baby ring. Its gold with her initials - so precious.

And as usual, the night ends with a few games of pool (and darts and ping-pong).

Yet Another Family Tradition

Steven got a little excited when petting the sharks - see the wet sleeve!
Here are the hippos. Andrew spent a lot of time sitting next to the glass just watching this one bounce up and down. When we came back, she was still bouncing and Andrew started to bounce with her, then Steven, then about 3-4 other kids there. It was so cute!

When Kendyl saw the hippo, her eyes got really big, then she screamed/cried. Poor little girl.

Here's Kendyl in aw over the shark tunnel.

Each year over the Christmas break, we take a day trip. Most of the time Tim doesn't get to join us (working) and it's just the boys and I. Well this year Mom came (and Kendyl too!). We went to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. We had a great time. What were everyone's favorites?



Me - the hippos and jelly fish

Mom - the sea cucumber (you could touch it)

Andrew - the hippos and sharks

Steven - the sharks

Kendyl - the sharks (the hippos made her cry)

Christmas Morning - part 2

""Santa" left me the traditional macademia nuts - yummm.
Andrew had to get Kendyl her own Yankees hat. She's ready for baseball season.
Our traditional Christmas shaped pancake breakfast.
Andrew sewed and stuffed a Navy themed pillow for Tim. All by hand.
Gotta love this face! He was so surprised to receive the MP3 player he wanted.

Christmas Morning!

Our Christmas Tree BEFORE Santa.

Look - SANTA came!

Our tradition - the kids have to wait on the steps until we light the tree, start the music and take a few photos - then the come running in to see the goodies.

Andrew was a bit excited over the trampoline.

Here is Steven's most wanted gift - the Playmobile hospital!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The boys got sleds from Uncle Seth and Aunt MonaLisa!
High School Musical - Steven loves it! Thanks Grandmom and Grandpop.
Kendyl got her highchair. So adorable in her Christmas outfit.

The adults play the Chinese Firedrill Polyanna each Christmas Eve - this year we had a game theme. Rock em Sock em Robots was the hit of the evening.

A Newer Tradition - Gingerbread Houses

Last year we tried building gingerbread houses for the first time, and had a blast - so we did it again this year. Steven decided to be different, and make a gingerbread tree!!! Even Kendyl got into the fun (pulling at the bag of chocolates as I was putting them on the roof). Tim and I work together to make our house :-)

Photo Shoot

These photos just say it all.