A Taste of Christmas

I'm a firm believer in documenting life through photographs. I think capturing moments with a camera make memories last longer. With so much filling our lives, it's easy to forget fun, excitement, and tenderness. Heavens, I can barely remember what I did yesterday--let alone the Christmas I was 8. So, my family is forced to suffer through lots of snapshots and I'm convinced we remember the happiness that is our life more because of it.

Sometimes when we're in the heat of a reindeer craft, it's hard to see the joy and magic of that sweet time. But when the tacky glue has dried and the googly eyes settle, there's a great deal of sweetness to be savored. Each of the boys made a reindeer can. We filled them with oats, cabbage, and carrots for Santa's reindeer. Tomy's reindeer was a family favorite.
Damien was especially fond of the decorating goodies.Laura is now the proud owner of her own fishing pole. I must admit that I was a little bit jealous.
Sterling's reindeer was actually transformed into an elf. . .go figure.
Speaking of elf transformations--this Brother was clipped into the most handsome elf I've ever seen.
I'm not sure who was more excited--Damian to receive his Life Saver (Light Sabor) OR grandma to give it to him.
Zachy sets out the reindeer goodies. Those must have been some hungry reindeer because when we woke up Christmas morning, all of the food was gone. We were especially excited about Prancer's visit--as we watched the movie Prancer on Christmas Eve. PRANCER Rocks!
Kimmy is turning into quite the little domestic diva--she is now crafting.
Damian was SO excited about presents and Christmas. He would pick-up his presents, hold them, and shake them. At one point, he just sat down on one and stared at the "goods" under the tree.
Dad is now the proud owner of 2 ice cream makers (one he bought himself) and a book from the Jenkins with a very close parallel to his own life as THE PAPER BOY.
Christmas night, we had a special sleepover. Zach, Damian, and Auntie Michelle (accompanied by Grandma V. & Kimmy) spread out blankets, popped popcorn, and collected goodies while we watched Benji the Hunted. The company was a lot better than the movie, I'll tell you that! Please note that Zach and I are wearing Ninja headbands--not to be confused with sweatbands.
This was also the Christmas of M&M sucking, Eric's skateboarding mis-adventure, sloppy joes, paper towels in the toilet, and LOTS and LOTS of snow. It was our first Christmas with sticky hands, B.I.L. #2, and a lot of Legos. It was another Christmas full of joy.

Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night!