Merry Christmas To All!

What a wonderful Christmas.  We had Christmas Eve Wigilia dinner surrounded by family and lots of kids!  It was a little more casual and toddler friendly this year, but so fun to see all the little ones start to enjoy each other and of course entertain us all.  JP is so excited by everything Santa and came running down the stairs shouting when he discovered that the elves had again left him pj's for him and his siblings while he was at mass.  I've posted so many pictures that it will probably speak more than what I can write.  Today was both exciting and relaxing.  Thank you to all our family and friends near and far for making this such a great holiday.  We feel so blessed by the many presents and love you give us all!

JP ringing our Christmas bell in honor of those who could not be there to celebrate with us:


What a line up of toddlers!


Happy Boys (once the food started coming!):


Paul, Carolyn, Will and Eloise:


Eloise and Paul's fabulous Bon Appetit 2009 Holiday Cake-  Peppermint Meringue Cake with Chocolate Buttercream:


She's getting so big!


The kids got to exchange presents Christmas Eve- Ryan anxious to see what George got:


Caolyn and Willa:


George wasn't so sure he wanted Ryan to have the present he brought him after all!


Caitlin opening a present:


Willa and her new book:


George wearing his new Cubs crocs.  He wore them all night!


Daddy and the trio:

I love those cheeks!


Caitlin & Willa dancing:


George joining them for ring around the rosey:


Getting ready for the big guy-cookies & milk and carrots:


"I tried to be on the nice list.  Thanks for the toys. Merry Christmas"


Santa came!


Caitlin's thinking "You're gonna shoot your eye out kid."  JP's Nerf Gun from Santa:


JP opened most of Ryan, Caitlin & Madison's gifts.  I think got more excited about them than they did!


JP & Ryan pushing Caitlin on her new toy:


Madison says "Why wait for the packaging to come off?"


Dad, would you like a poster sized print of this? ;)


Caitlin got into the cart on her own.  I have no idea how!


Ask and you will receive.  Thank you to everyone for all the great books for the kids!



The Nintendo DS, the present I told JP Santa would never bring him.  Well on December 23rd, Joe and I caved and decided it was OK.  We had a VERY happy boy.  Now just to limit the play time....