Breakfast with Santa

We met Helen's parents and her brother Mike, Aunt Chris, and cousin Lindsay at their church for a pancake breakfast with Santa. There were model trains and games for the kids. The kids had a great time, except when they had to pose with Santa - Lindsay wasn't to happy about that "Santa no, no, no".

Christmas Canteen

It's been a tradition for several years for us to take my mother and Helen's parents to the Aurora Theater's "Christmas Canteen". It's a great show to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

To Grandmother's House

Every year Helen takes the boys over to her mother's house for a day of baking Christmas cookies. We have a Disney Christmas book with a cookie baking scene. Adam insists that we take the book to Helen's parent's house so we can see what kind of cookies to make.

The Need To Bake

Helen absolutely loves to bake. Unfortunately, with our busy schedules it's hard for her to find the time. But even with exams, basketball, piano, tennis, etc. she managed to carve out time to do some baking. Actually she insisted, saying that it just wouldn't be the holidays without baking. She said she would have been more stressed\irritated if she would have let her job get in the way of holiday baking. We had some lame dinners during the week including cereal one night, but it was worth it. The boys love to help. Adam has to wear his special snowman apron and use his special Christmas spreaders. The boys made "Rudolph" cookies to share with their classes at school.

Day With Uncle Mike and Aunt Chris

Adam gives Lindsay some lovin

Derek never seems to tire of this move

And now it's Adam's turn to put the dreaded "bunny ears" on Lindsay

Uncle Mike and Lindsay

Aunt Chris holds Lindsay while Uncle Mike cleans her shirt

"Cousin" Photo Op

Helen's brother, Mike, and his wife, Chris, drove across town to spend the day with us. We ate lunch at Ippolitos and then went shopping at The Forum. The boys just love their little cousin, Lindsay.

In the evening, Helen's parents joined all of us for the annual "Walk Through Bethlehem" that Simpsonwood United Method Church puts on. It's a neat re-creation of the town of Bethlehem as it might have been during the time of Jesus. We saw lots of friends and Adam was especially happy to see his neighbor friend, Ryan. They hugged and danced around when they saw each other.

Xmas Prep

Each night Adam and Derek look forward to a "surprise" treat from their Advent calendar

Adam decorates the tree as Nanna looks on

Derek's into the holiday season

Adam sets up his train under the tree

Adam wanted me to sit with him while he ate his cookies in front of the tree

Santa Lula

Xmas Lists