Is Christmas Really Over?

First, I would like to say: Yes, you are reading a new post from me. Hard to believe I know. One of my goals this year is to stop neglecting my blog. Aunt Peggy, your note on the Christmas card helped push this goal to the top. Sorry that I have gotten so far behind.

It's hard to believe that Christmas has been here and gone. It always seems to go so fast and I wonder if I took the time to enjoy every minute of it. Looking back, I think that I did. The kids had a lot of fun helping to decorate the house this year. Lenny has become such a big help. Brooke and Nathan still need a lot of supervising otherwise I'm not sure what would happen to my nice decorations.

We also added an artificial tree for the kids to decorate in their playroom this year. They really enjoyed it and made some cute ornaments for it. This is one tree that I allowed them to redecorate a few times. It helped keep them away from the big tree. Not completely, but some.


Party With Santa Claus

Two of my friends, Tracy and Bridgette, and I planned a fun party with Santa Claus this year. We each invited two families so we ended up with a total of 9 families at the party. There were crafts, activities, food, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids were so excited to get a special invitation in the mail from Santa. He even knew a lot about each of them and what they wanted for Christmas. At the party, Santa had a gift for each of them as well--a book. They were so excited.

Here are a few pictures from the party.

I made reindeer sandwiches and was very happy that a few people enjoyed them enough to ask what was in them. Thank goodness they started by saying that they were good. Just turkey and vegetable cream cheese.



Making a gingerbread man game. All three of them liked this craft.


Brooke and Nathan playing the bean bag toss game.


Making reindeer cookies. This is one craft that I brought for the party. When we got home, they all had fun making the left over cookies and eating them just as fast.


Nathan and Daddy.

Me with Brooke and Nathan making the coolest Cookie plate for Santa. (Took this picture from Tracy's blog. Thanks!)


Lenny's friend Elizabeth. So cute.
Brooke and Daddy.

Lenny and his best buddy, David.
Santa and Mrs. Claus





After we left, I realized that we didn't get a picture of me and Dominic together or a family picture with Santa. I was so bummed about that. Didn't even think about it at the time. Lenny then took this picture of me and Dominic.
The party was so much fun and I'm sure we will plan it again next year.

My friend Tracy also has a wonderful post and pictures from the party on her blog.


We had a wonderful Christmas as well. This year though I didn't take near as many pictures. I decided to just sit back and enjoy it instead of worrying about the camera. Tomorrow I'll post the ones that I did take.