christmas 2011

Most of the celebrations of Christmas have come and gone for our family. We are enjoying a quiet morning at home: Benjamin is napping, Judah is checking out his new toys, Joey is catching up on the Internets, and I am blogging (obviously). I have managed to sort through all of the pictures on our camera, which was made into quite the task by my brother-in-law who has a habit of filling up memory cards with images of people's ears, blurry motion captures, and various things found on the table (like cups and nuts). But, alas! I have prevailed.

The boys were thrilled to be loved on by my parents. It had been quite some time since they saw them last! My dad is pretty proud of his two grandsons. 

Benjamin was surprisingly interested in opening presents. He thought everything was pretty grand.

I made Judah a !MASSIVE! floor pillow. He has a blast flopping on it, especially if he has his daddy to flop with him. 

Judah was not allowed to drink pop, so he settled for the last few drips of the bottle.

This was our (first) fabulous Christmas dinner: 

arugula, raspberry, and candied almond salad with balsamic vinaigrette

traditional Christmas stuffing (although there was no bird to cook it in)

ham on the bone with spicy mustard sauce

roasted potato stacks with herbs, olive oil, and chives 

and, OF COURSE, PIE. Pumpkin pie, to be exact. 

I did not manage any pictures of our second dinner. Let me assure you, it was fantastic as well.

At our second celebration, Benjamin continued to be passed from one set of arms to another. Grandma's were an obvious favourite.

He also enjoyed Uncle Sam's company very much.

Judah and his cousin Lucy played a game of crokinole that had no order whatsoever.

Judah was under the impression that the only objective of the game was to fling the pieces madly while shouting in victory. He was really good at that game.

The cousins also got a lot of book-reading in. No matter how different they may be, they will always share a love for books.

Willis remained uncertain of the Little People, but seemed appeased with the affectionate pats and scratches he would get on occasion. 

All in all, this Christmas was a wonderful experience. The only thing that was not right was Joey's youngest brother's absence. WE LOVE YOU, DAVID! 

We have SO. MUCH. to be thankful for. I am so thankful for everyone who I have the privilege to call family!