Christmas 2011

Well, Santa came and brought too much as usual. The girls had a great time opening their gifts and apparently Santa got what the girls were wanting and wishing for. Todd was surprised by his rather large and antique gift. I am sure he will find a place for that in the yard some where. I won't have to vacuum as often thanks to a new Roomba (robot vacuum). Hopefully the dog won't attack it. Linda and Ivan came over in the afternoon and then we headed over to my sister's family's for dinner. My Dad joined us there. Great time with family.

She loves Harry Potter Lego. Can you tell?

Ever since New York City, she has been an M&M fan

Another Harry Potter Lego fan

The cat got some canned food. A special treat! This was turkey Pot Pie.

Wii Just Dance 3. Bet it will be a hit!

Waterproof Sweater



Jigs got a Wubba



Grandma Tutu got candles

Owl Pjs!

Oooohhh! A vacuum. A truly wanted gift because now a robot can do it.

Antique crossbucks

Luggage for Disneyland Dance Trip from Grandma Tutu and Grandpa Dave

Pirates!

A few Maplelea doll outfits for Taryn

And Alexi

Grandma and Grandpa with their new mp3. Hope they can figure it out.

Christmas Dinner at Audrey and Mark's

Kids Table

Emma and Heather

Grandpa and Vanessa

New Sweaters from Auntie Audrey and Uncle Mark

Hope you like the book DD

The castle constructed on Boxing Day

Christmas Eve 2011

Mom and Dave stayed with us on Christmas Eve. The girls left out cookies and milk for Santa, were read The Night Before Christmas by Daddy and had a lot of trouble falling asleep because of all the excitement and anticipation.

First Gift Of Christmas 2011

We started a new family tradition a few years ago. We open a gift the day we start decorating the tree. It is always an ornament and reflective of past year's interests or about our favorite things. Heather received a Harry Potter ornament because she read all the Harry Potter books this year. Vanessa received the bell from the Polar Express because she loves that movie. Todd received another "A Christmas Story" ornament that recites famous lines from the movie. Vanessa bought my first gift of Christmas on her own and it ended up being an owl ornament for me. Perfect!

We realized our house is not set up well for a Christmas Tree or at least a big one. We decided to top a tree from our yard and it happened to missing branches on one side so we were able to push it close to the window. It was nice and tall but didn't take up as much room as it could have without having the Charlie brown look. It still looked nice. The girls also set up an artificial tree on the landing in front of their rooms. It had a lot of vintage decorations on it this year from when I was a little girl.

Heather's Family Birthday Party

We had the family come over and celebrate Heather's 9th Birthday. She showed off her new National Outfit that Grandpa, Grandma Tutu and Grandpa Dave helped buy. I can't believe how quickly the years are flying by. I made her cake. It has been a while but after a few oops along the way it turned out okay.

Grandma and Grandpa got her a full length mirror

Auntie Audrey and Uncle Mark, Delanie and Emma got her the horse shirt

And 3500 bits of jewels. Thanks

Heather's new Ntional Outfit for dance

Dance Christmas Party

Heather had her annual dance Christmas Party at a golf club. The ancers got to eat and dance in grand ballroom. The parents and siblings that don't dance ate a nice buffet dinner downstairs in the lounge. Heather always looks forward to this event. Vanessa got to meet Santa before he went upstairs to visit the party goers.

Springboard Diving Lesson for H

Heather took an intro to springboard diving lesson tonight. She learned to jump in, tuck, pike, dive and enter in backwards.

Christmas Concerts

Eagles Winter

The dam just down from our house has salmon spawning at the bottom of it. This brings the eagles to feed and winter in the area. Everyday we drive by in awe of their beauty. We must see about 50 or more of them.