Our Christmas Vacation

We've had a fantastic Christmas vacation. John used up some vacation days he had accumulated and was off work from Christmas Eve through today.

This year, we waited to put together the annual Gingerbread House until Dec. 23rd because Ethan really wanted to eat the house and we didn't want the kids eating one that was a month old. I think he got the idea from the bakery we visit on Sunday mornings...they were selling amazing houses this year and customers would come in and comment on how great the houses were...and how tasty their kids/grandkids said they were. We got a Wilton kit this year, it was the best one yet by far. Mary Kate decided she'd rather just eat the candy decorations instead of put them on the house first. We let them taste the house on Christmas Day after supper. They both each about 2 bites and then asked for cheesecake. Next year, I think we'll go back to making the house right after Thanksgiving.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrated at church and the kids opened up a few presents before leaving a note, milk, and cookies for Santa. This year, wrote his entire note by himself, with spelling help from us. He asked Santa if there are polar bears in his back yard.

On Christmas morning, Ethan was up at 6 am. He was thrilled by the guitar Santa brought and has been playing it a lot, accompanied by Mary Kate on ukelele. Santa brought MK a new vanity for her bedroom and she loves sitting at it and brushing her hair.

E on guitar...

MK takes her new scooter for a spin. Thanks, Uncle Jake!

MK received a play doh ice cream factory and the kids played with it for a couple of hours on Christmas day. Here they are showing off the tower of play doh cans they built together.

MK and Dad with her new twin babies from Nana. Thanks, Nana!

In keeping with his tradition for all of the grandkids, on the Christmas they are closest to age 3, Grandpa Grilz gave MK a Barbie Jeep this year. MK hit the jackpot, as Jeeps now come with real working radios. The kids jammed out to Christmas songs while Dad and Grandpa put the Jeep together.

Thanks so much to all of our friends and family for all of the wonderful gifts. It's been so much fun playing with new scooters, construction sets, games, babies, books and toys and enjoying Christmas treats.

And Happy New Year to everyone!!