Christmas

 Christmas was a low-key affair.  We went down to Virginia the weekend before to see Uncle Dave (and meet his new girlfriend/soon-to-be finacee Beth) and spend time with Grandma and Grandpa.  Paul had to be at work on Monday so it was a short visit.

 The early risers.

 My favorite "late" riser.

 As predicted, he had more fun playing with the garbage than actually playing with his toys.  But it was so fun to watch!

 Lana and her long anticipated American Girl doll.  She's been begging for one for 2 years and Santa finally came through.

 Tanner and his big gift from Santa.  The Bowser's castle.

And Tanner's classic reaction to clothes for Christmas.  "Uhhhh..."

Christmas Eve

 On Christmas Eve, we usually go look at Christmas lights after dinner but I couldn't find any good places/neighborhoods.  So instead we decorated a Gingerbread village.  Porter actually ate his house.

 Sticky hands Lana

 Tanner is his daddy's boy.  He preferred only 2 types of candy decorations on his.

 Paul's masterpiece - We dubbed it "the outhouse"

 Tanner's masterpiece

 Lana's masterpiece

My masterpiece

Making Gingerbread Ornaments

 The kids had been begging to do something crafty so I broke out all of our Christmas cookie cutters and let them go to town.

 This cute baby was happy to watch the cookies in the oven and even eat a couple that broke while I was trying to tie on ribbons.

 I think Tanner was playing "let's see how much flour I can get away with before mom gets mad".

The finished product.  Most of them ended up in the same general area, but I'm not complaining!

December roundup

 I've decided that instead of toys for Christmas, I am just going to break out our old moving boxes, give the kids scissors, markers and crayons and done!  The kids spent hours playing with this thing!

 We finally had our first "real" snow fall here in New Jersey.  It came on a Sunday and the kids were in heaven.  They spent quite a bit of time outside just playing, shoveling and making snow angels. 

 Most of it melted by Monday afternoon.  No snow day, but they did have a delayed start so it was nice to sleep in a bit.  Except Lana got the stomach bug so really there was no sleeping.  At least she is big enough she can make it to the bathroom now.

 Tanner is just funny.

Porter has now discovered how fun the balcony is.  He can climb the stairs all by himself and he stands up there waving and squealing at all who will look at him.  When he gets bored he locks himself into a room and starts yelling so someone will come get him.  I love this goober so much!