Merry Christmas!

Santa brought an XBox 360! Mason is sooo surprised!

Arie got a pillowpet

The boys each got some gaming chairs

Stairs shot with Dad

Stairs shot with Mom

Christmas came in two parts for our family this year. We recently moved, and things have been quite hectic ever since. We decided that we all needed a little break. So we spent Christmas at the cabin this year. We learned, however, that it is a much smoother trip minus all the presents. So, we decided to open all our presents on the morning of the 22nd, then leave for the cabin. Santa could then bring the one present he brings for our kids, plus stocking stuffers. The boys thought this was a brilliant idea (and who wouldn't? Open presents twice!!) Growing up, my parents would make us wait to see our presents all that the same time. While we waited for the room to be "readied" we would all wait on the stairs. Thus, the famous stair shot began. Up to this year, we've never had stairs, but we would take a family photo in the hall, which would sub for the stairs. Needless to say, the boys were quite excited that this year, we would FINALLY be able to take a real stairs shot! We opened presents then headed for the cabin! We enjoyed beautiful weather while we were there! Didn't get the "fresh" white Christmas until later that evening when it began to snow. But there was plenty of snow on the ground. Aaron and the boys got a fun day of snowboarding in. Arie and I enjoyed a fun day indoors doing girlie things like baking cookies and painting finger and toenails! Santa actually did make it to the cabin, much to the delight of Zachary, in particular! Amazing that the big guy can find you even when you aren't sleeping in your own bed! We had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the quiet and solitude that can only be found at the cabin! And we really enjoyed the time we got to spend with each other! Seems that life is just zooming by, and in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, I don't really take the time with my kids to just enjoy them. I look forward to these times when I can really enjoy being with them when the stresses of life aren't dictating what should and needs to be done! We wish all of you a very Happy Holidays!