Christmas, revisited.

Okay, okay. I have been well aware that we need to post pictures from Christmas on the blog. A certain grandparent keeps reminding me. A grandparent who was actually there and witnessed the whole holiday. A grandparent who apparently thinks these posts write themselves, while our kids cook dinner and change their own diapers.

We did have a very merry Christmas. The kids are at nice ages. The boys are really into Christmas and are true believers. The little ones don't get it yet but still enjoyed it -- and they aren't quite to the age where they get upset when they open a present just to have it taken away so they can open another one (I remember that being a little tough on the boys at age 3).

The boys have been in the Christmas spirit all month. On Christmas Eve we baked cookies for Santa and had a nice chili dinner (although it wasn't the least bit chilly in Houston - Cort and I are still trying to get used to the weather for Houston Christmases). It was all very casual, although the little kids wore holiday outfits even though they weren't going anywhere - it was the only opportunity for them to wear them. After dinner the boys decided they wanted to go caroling, so they sang for three of our neighbors. Then we headed off to church with the boys and Gransan (leaving Grandad at home with the little ones in bed). After church it was bedtime and waiting for Santa to come!

Helen in her Christmas dress

Our best attempt at a traditional Christmas pic in front of the tree

The boys caroling. This is at our next-door-neighbor's house, who had the good fortune of being treated to singing of all 12 of the days of Christmas.

Reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" at bedtime

On Christmas morning, we checked out what Santa brought, had some biscuits, and opened presents. Santa brought the boys bicycles, which they initially walked right past in favor of the small plastic NFL helmets he also brought. The bikes did not garner the excitement we had hoped, but later in the day they became more popular.


Joseph reading the gift tag before opening so he would know who the present was from

The boys both got new Rockets jerseys and new Astros jerseys

Uncle Rick got them recorders. Thanks Uncle Rick.

Helen got a new purse

Believe it or not, one of the favorite gifts. For months they have loved to play -- and fight over -- Mom's kitchen timer. Now they each have their own.

Of course, there always has to be one kid who would rather play with the box and the old car that only has three wheels left

Joseph was really into his new human body encyclopedia

Each of the kids picks out a present to give each family member. These pictures represent Charlie's gifts. He gave Will and Joseph footballs, Helen a soccer ball, Mom tickets to a basketball game, and Dad football pajamas. See a theme here?


Charlie enjoyed the baseball and basketball books from Aunt Jody and crew.

We spent the rest of Christmas day and the next few days enjoying the new toys and time with family.

The boys learned to ride their bikes Christmas afternoon.

This baseball game was a big hit

This cool puzzle of a human skeleton was the same size as the boys!

Our family loves games, and we got a couple of good new ones. Here were are playing "Great States!"

We had such a good time with the kids at Christmas, and having so many "stay home days" (as they call them) afterwards. And amazingly, it's not over. Gramma comes tomorrow, so Christmas #2 is still to come!