Christmas

We found a new spot for the 8 foot tree, and had a fun morning decorating it and listening to holiday music.  The kids were actually pretty helpful, and we all enjoyed talking about the memories surrounding some of the more special ornaments.  They were also excited for the Polar Express to come out again.  Later in the evening, Isaac and Bill braved the freezing cold to decorate the tree outside and hang the lights.

We put them to work again later, assembly-line style, putting labels and stamps on the holiday cards.

We made it to each of the kids' school holiday parties for a few minutes.  It's the perfect amount of time for us to get an excited greeting when they see us and say hi to the teacher and some parents, but we leave as they start eating insane amounts of treats.  Better for all of us!  They also had an "ugly sweater" day for their final day of school before break.  Bill found one for Isaac that lit up - almost making up in coolness for the fact that it was 4 sizes too big :)

The Elf on the Shelf ("Elfie") upped his game this year and made some creative and funny appearances. Here are a few highlight pics:

In advance of the big feast, Bill and Evan decided to make their own sausage and grind the meat for the meatballs.  The kids loved it, and were happy to help.

We made it up to Winter Park for our first ski weekend right before Christmas.  After ski school, the kids were psyched to see Santa and get some candy canes.  There wasn't a big crowd, so each of them got a chance to talk to Santa and tell him what they wanted.  After leaving, Isaac said, "I know that's not the real Santa" and when I asked why he said "The real Santa comes on Christmas, he doesn't have time to come to ski towns" :)

Grandma and Grandpa came on 12/22, and the rest of the family moved in on Christmas Eve.  There was lots of prepping and cooking, and enjoying each other's company.  Isaac watched the NORAD Santa tracking app all evening, lobbying hard to stay awake for the North America landing.  Unfortunately, Santa wasn't due to hit our area until way after bedtime, so after writing notes, leaving cookies and milk, the kids begrudgingly agreed to go to sleep.

Cate thought it was hilarious to flash us in her new nightgown, embarrassing her giggling brother

Isaac wrote: Dear Santa Claus- can you have a safe trip? Can I please have the magic kit and if you do, thank you love, Isaac.

Caitlin wrote: Your reindeer are so cute. thank you for the gifts

The kids woke up promptly at 7, and were excited to see the pile of presents.  They were patient for a few minutes as everyone got up and made their way to the family room, but got impatient quickly, itching to start opening.  The opening lasted a couple of hours, with a break for pastries and mimosas.  The kids made out very well, as did everyone else, and it was a fun morning for everyone.  Auntie Barbie and Uncle Murray came in from CA, landing in time to make it for brunch.  The rest of the day was lazy and fun, enjoying gifts, getting holiday mani's, Facetime gift opening with the rest of the fam in NJ, and playing games in the basement.

The party expanded for Christmas dinner, with Adrienne's parents, Aunt Alli and Uncle Chad, and Grandma Gerri all coming for antipasto and lasagna.  The kids got dressed in their nicer clothes, and baby Alice wore her elf costume, which made them all look adorable and made for some great pictures.  It was a great week!

Cate's holiday recital

Cate took ballet this term, so she got to wear a tutu for her recital.  Her class danced to Kermit the Frog's "One More Sleep 'Till Christmas", and did lots of pirouetting and toe pointing (mainly in opposite directions of each other and the teacher).  It was adorable to watch, as always, and she was super-proud to be up on stage.  Here are a few pics of the pre-show festivities:

Cate and her class - getting psyched for the show

Good luck snuggles from Papa Rich

Coloring sheets - to keep the backstage kiddos occupied

Cate is a lucky girl, with a big family cheering contingent.  Aunt Ray-Ray, Aunt Alli, Seb and Papa Rich all showed up to cheer her on from the second row, and bring flowers.

Here are some pics from the actual show (Cate was 4th from the right), and finale ("I want a hippopotamus for Christmas"), both of which were adorable.  Also, some pics posing with her fans :)