Christmas 2011

Here's my post about Christmas 2011.  Better late than never!

Christmas with Gramma

First Christmas celebration was with Josh's mom.  

Kristen entertained the kids while they waited to decorate cookies. 

We managed to squeeze all the kids at the little picnic table for Cookie Decorating.  Frosting and Sprinkles G.A.L.O.R.E.  

 Had to eat the cookies right away!

Jillian thought the cookie decorating was interesting to watch for a few seconds, but opted for the stairs as the more entertaining activity.  She climbed them ALL night. 

Then they decorated hot chocolate mugs to have at Gramma's house for years to come! 

Jilly was not going to miss out on the coloring! 

She colored and colored, even after the big kids were done! 

There was painting the sliding glass door.   

The kids watched a movie while we adults ate dinner.  We learned last year that a giant family dinner was not peaceful or enjoyable for the adults.  This year the kids got hotdogs and mandarin oranges, and later the adults ate lasagna and salad.  SOOOOOO much more enjoyable for all of us!

This picture makes me laugh!!!  Esther Grace was yelling, just to yell.  She looks upset in this picture but she wasn't, she was just yelling because she's two and she's Esther Grace.  Landon thought she was upset so his hand is on her should trying to comfort her, but you can see his mouth----gritting his teeth trying not to yell as I had already reprimanded him for yelling.  And then there's poor Charlie, who REALLY didn't like the yelling and screaming happening right next to his ear.  And he's so sweet, he just covered his ears and begged for someone to make her stop.

Opening of stockings.  Candy and little knick-knack toys.  Biggest hits were the bubbles, bouncing playdoug-like stuff, and of course, the chocolate! 

Jillian liked the box more than the present of course!

More presents opened and handed out, but as that whole scha-bang happened the less pictures I was able to take.  Yay for our first Christmas event for 2011!!

Christmas with Pops and Nanalis

Christmas Eve we celebrated with my parents, siblings, and my Nana.  

 They got a little kitchen, complete with Chef's hat and apron!

Jillian got a grocery cart that she loves to put her babies in and then push around. 

Traditional three siblings picture. 

Pops & Nanalis with Grandkids. 

Candid shot showing how we really feel when taking group pictures with our kids.  It's not an easy task. 

All the kids, in-laws, grandkids. 

As per tradition, we open stockings first.  Landon received a Recorder flute-thing and an umbrella.  I then entertained the family with a rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb and Amazing Grace on the Recorder (I remembered from sixth grade.....can't remember half the stuff I learned in college, but I can remember how to play two songs on the Recorder I learned 17 years ago).  

 Pots and pans set for the kitchen; that often turn into a steel drums set now.

 Landon got a "Claw" that he used to clean up all the wrapping paper and trash.  He literally cleaned up the whole room while the adults opened presents.  

 Nana with her baby and Jillian with her baby!  Jillian grew very impatient waiting for this baby to be "released" from the plastic ties keeping it in the packaging; so impatient she began yelling and crying at my Nana, who apparently was taking too long to "free" the doll.

Nana with her Great Grandkids.  

My favorite moment from Christmas Eve was at our house when we were getting ready for Mass.  I had finally decided what to wear and had put on my brown sweater dress and brown tights.  Landon looked at me and said, "Oh Mommy, you look so very brown!  You're so beautiful!"  His comment still makes me laugh!  So sweet when he wants to be.

Christmas with Papa and Grammy

This was a very special Christmas with Papa and Grammy.  ALL their kids, and ALL their grandkids were in town at the SAME time.  It was the FIRST time ALL the grandkids were together.......TEN kids, oldest having just turned 5, youngest being 5 months!

Papa and Grammy and ALL TEN grandkids.

TOP Row: Sarah(5), Jonah(4), Charlie(5), Ava(2.5)

BOTTOM Row: Jarek(2), Zachary(5months), Lucas(10months), Jillian(almost 1), Landon(2.5), Esther Grace(2)

The WHOLE Family.

Yay for our family of four! 

All the cousins playing. 

Awaiting the presents being handed out. 

The opened-presents CHAOS!

One of the events I missed with the camera, but certainly want to mention.........many of the cousins ate Christmas Brunch picnic-style on a blue tarp that was laid out in the living room.  It was decided that would be the easiest way to feed them, protect carpeting, and clean up any mess---with a garden hose!

It was a really fun and fast Christmas season for us!