handsful

You wait ON the stairs, until the all clear is given to go into the family room.  It’s the Christmas morning rule. 

First thing, stockings.  Here they are, reacting to the Brian Regan tickets we got for his show in January.  Yes, they were THAT surprised.  If you don’t know who Brian Regan is, check out youtube.  He’s hillarious. 

Then comes a gourmet breakfast of homemade cinnamon rolls.  Nope.  The kids demand the rolls in the can every year…at least it’s quick and easy! 

Presents…

Favorite presents were R’s camera lens, my Shape Up tennis shoes, A’s cell phone, M’s Ipod, P’s drum set, E’s electric guitar, and L’s Little People Noah’s ark set.  The rest of the day was spent playing, resting, packing (for our trip to NC the NEXT day), and eating.  A great day. 

Our trip to NC post coming up next…

Part 1

Christmas Eve…

On the way to Christmas Eve service at church.  Not in the mood to smile!

Thaaaaat’s better…

The annual Christmas cookie making project.  Same recipe we’ve used since I was a little girl, but now I make them instead of my mother.  Same cookie press that my mom received as a wedding shower present 45+ years ago (works better than any “modern” one I’ve ever wasted money on). 

Two eager helpers, ready to mix! 

Mama, I have a teaspoon!!

can’t help but lick the beaters. 

we’ve never been harmed by raw cookie dough, I see no reason to stop this practice.  Call me a rebel. 

Hey, who is this?  Abbey skipped all the messy mixing and just jumped in for the fun stuff. 

Let’s pause for a cookie making tip!  I cover all of my surfaces with beach towels.  After we’re done, all the loose dough bits and sprinkles get shaken out into the yard.  Easy peasy clean up, and I’m sure the birds love that Christmas treat!   

Marley chose camels…surprise that she’d choose an animal shape, huh?

Time to sprinkle the cookies…

Abbey, one of our more creative kiddos, takes her time with each cookie. 

The first of 12 dozen cookies done, Lainey wants a sample. 

She (and the rest of us cookie monsters) approve whole-heartedly.  Now, to make sure we don’t eat them all before our trip to NC.  My mom is eagerly waiting for some :)

It was luminaries night in our neighborhood last night.  There was a Christmas party down at the club house, which we did not attend.  Apparently, they had Santa at the party for a while.  Here he is walking back to his sleigh..uh…truck.  This is Randy, chasing Santa down to tell him that he parked in our grass.  I hope he didn’t put our address down on the naughty list.  This is a bad time of year to tick off Santa, don’t you think??

Look what Payton and Marley created.  Any guesses?  I think it’s pretty obvious!  Need a hint?  (cue the music) “Who lives in a pineapple…”

This is close enough, thankyouverymuch.  And, don’t expect me to smile. 

Nope.  She’s not a fan.

Taken on the way out the door…the birthday girl wanted Italian, so we headed to a new place called Sarnelli’s. 

Buon appetito!  The girls enjoyed their meal too, but Marley vetoed the use of the photo.  She was putting food in her mouth (gasp).

Lainey was fine with sharing her picture…despite all the olive oil on her face from the scrumptious bread.  If you ever find yourself in Orange Park, FL, you must stop by Sarnelli’s! 

With my birthday “out of the way”, we’re full steam ahead on Christmas!