Christmas Morning

Eli and Maggie apparently made the nice list. Fortunately I did too! It was fun to wake up at Grandma & Grandpa H's house this year to enjoy the morning and unwrapping with them and Shaylee. As always, it was a fun, relaxing day with family.

(Note: Once the Tinkerbell costume was on, there was no getting it off - no matter what...which included messy pants.)

Tinkerbell the ballerina.
I have to admit...I LOVE that she LOVES to dance!

Christmas Eve

Our family traditionally get's together on Christmas Eve at Grandma Miller's for food, fun, and BINGO! I don't mean "have a nice time playing a fun game for prizes" Bingo - I mean "watch out if you open the iTunes (or equivalent) gift card...because you won't be holding on to it for long!" Bingo. The rules change every year, but it's always fun. And yes, we do have a Christmas program to end the night (of course!).

This is a video of Eli and Kora performing a dance they learned at school. Eli had substituted at practice while Kora's partner was sick - and did a great job as back-up!

We also open our Christmas PJ's wrapped in our Christmas pillow cases just before hopping into bed. Eli and Maggie loved their fuzzy ones with matching slippers.

Another Early Christmas Present!

Skylar stopped by this morning with a Christmas surprise! All my siblings have great classic bikes for our family cruises - now I have one too! It's a Schwinn American with original tagging (including a registration from Ann Arbor, MI). I love it! Sky is going to help me tune it up so I'll be ready as soon as the snow melts.

Skylar has an amazing collection of vintage bikes he has restored. Most of the Hoellein fleet come from his awesome scouting (and door knocking/negotiating/take it off your hands) abilities. If there is an old bike in the neighborhood, Sky can smell it. He's started to log is activities here: The Bent Spoke Massive.

2008 Christmas Cards

I love Christmas Clothes

Maggie loves doing ballet in her dress - and her "fluffy sleeves."

Big Fam Christmas Party

Nothing like the usual turkey dinner, gift exchange, carols around the tree, and "game with money and dice that is not called gambling" activity. Our family definitely knows how to have fun!

Christmas List

Eli and Maggie have drawn Santa a number of pictures, but last night Eli decided to get serious about his list. After grabbing a pencil and paper, he started asking me how to spell certain toys and did a great job writing them down without any help. He was so sweet - and asked to put Maggie's item first. Then, after a couple of his, asked what I wanted him to add for me (I'll give you one guess on what item is mine). I love that even among the many toys, blue pants (jeans) is listed. He is obsessed with how often he can wear them (limited now, because most have holes in the left knee!), who else is wearing them, and why.

What I hauled around in my back seat today...

School Christmas Program

Eli's class performed their annual Christmas program this morning. He got to wave sparkly pom-poms for his part (and yes, he was thrilled with the assignment). This year his cousin Kora joined the class (recently moving from Georgia), and was part of the dancing group. They were great!

(Eli is leaning on the piano.
Once his part was done, there was little interest in the rest.)

Special Gifts

My great friend Monica sent me a birthday/Christmas package this week with lots of wonderful goodies - including the fabulous apron with bright pink ribbons shown below (LOVE the pink pom-pom fringe). I took a picture of it with the one she sent as a house warming gift...because they are both great (and this one matches Maggie's - which she also made).

We joke that she should be my mother's daughter instead of me (mom is an amazing quilter and Monica is too - and can "whip out" all of the extra projects she decides to try, while I rarely turn my machine on and avoid most things that require a 1/4" stitch). Fortunately, she includes me in these gifts! I also received a giant bag of homemade mint patties, which are quite amazing. Her recipe and directions can be found here.

I am not much of a cook, but at least I'll look good attempting it now (or the few times I try). Thanks Monica!

I love elf help.

Early Present

My dad is amazing. He knew what I had in mind for my very long hallway/entryway, but was not sure enough in my directions to build a ledge himself. Where I am ok with simple, he wanted "done right." So, he called a friend who does amazing custom wood work and had a beautiful ledge built as part of my Christmas. This is the first decoration I've actually hung on my walls - and it's just what I imagined since moving in! Old photographs are how I do my family history, and it is so nice to have them with me again.

Escape

This is Maggie sulking after her escape from Eli. He has been teasing her all morning. I guess a pillow, blanket and corner helps.

Big Help

Eli folded each of these piles. I didn't touch a thing. He was so excited that I let him stay up after putting Maggie to bed so he could help me finish the laundry. I think it has something to do with big machines and buttons. Now, how to keep him thinking that washing and folding laundry is an exciting privilege?!

My Topless Tree

I know this sounds a little risque, but it is true. My previous two homes had a two story room to accommodate my tall, skinny tree (which I love). However, our current home has tall ceilings - just not tall enough. I had to leave off the top section and just fill in the space with an off-center star and a few extra branches to disguise the missing piece. Regardless,Eli, Maggie and I are enjoying our own tree again. I'd forgotten about many of my ornaments!

Just can't get enough...

Mel gave me a CD today with some additional photos from our shoot last month. Here are a few more to enjoy!