Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas 2011 at Grandma's (& Elk River)

Michael's baby rocking chair

Propped up in her Daddy's rocking chair, watching the geese on the water at Grandma's.
One of our favorite smocked dresses of the Christmas season this year.




Off to church on Christmas Eve...Andrew (and Mommy) would get to "go up front" at Grandma's church to help participate in the nativity. Children got to be shepherds, stars and angels. (Cute service, but a little disappointing for me as there was not a live baby. Am an I the only "Mary" that has to use other people's live babies for nativities?!?)



Margaret was an angel (briefly) for the Christmas Eve service.


Dec. 24 Advent Calendar
Placing the last star on the scene to make it just right.

Opening up the 24th door in the Advent Book!
Andrew reading the Advent to Mommy.Andrew's favorite line comes on Day 5:
"They called him 'Emmanuel', which means 'God with us'.'"
Watching Santa's email to Andrew.
Andrew diving into everyone's stockings (notice Daisy's on the table:( )

The big gift this year = Rocket, from Little Einstein's, complete with June, Quincy, Annie and Leo, of course!

Margaret mesmerized by Caroline in her Santa hat.
Caroline and Ellie helping Andrew open his scavenger hunt present.
Andrew's turn to sport the Santa hat and hand out presents.


Waiting patiently for everyone to open their "bag" presents from Grandma at the same time.
Grandma MADE mittens for EVERYONE (grown-ups and kids alike) from Ishkabibble's (spelling???) famous old sweaters. What a clever idea! Passing down her mother's things by remaking them into items that other generations can use is brilliant and such a fond way to remember Irene.
Maddie loving on Miss Margaret, who's wondering what on the Earth happened to naptime today!
Mommy's sweet little angel.Really, who cares if she is still drinking out of a bottle at 15 months!?!? She won't take it to college.






Margaret LOVING Grandma's present to "the boys" this year. There are FOUR helicopters in the air now!
"Look!"
Caroline (8), Maddie (12), Ellie (9), Margaret (15 m.), David (15), Andrew (3), and Grandma.
Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! What delight on Andrew's face!
What better way to celebrate than with rum cake (and Grand Ann in the background)?
Chillin' with Daddy on Christmas afternoon.







Gentlemen, let the wrestling begin!



Caroline counting Daddy down.
Feeding the ducks after the crowd was gone.
A very hopeful (and lonely) Molly.
Sunset on Christmas Day, 2011.




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