It's A Wrap

The greatest good behavior incentive ever invented has come and gone, and my stock response to "Mommy, I want that" inducing commercials ("You'll have to ask Santa for it!") no longer packs the same punch. I'm kind of bummed about that. But we did have a super Christmas!

Wednesday afternoon after Owen's 2nd preschool party we went to Cumberland for dinner and gift exchange with Bob's dad. It was wonderful to have Todd, Maria and Hannah there as well; we've all witnessed some awesome changes this year that celebrate family and we are so thankful for that.


His present is taller than him!


Nope, no idea why Owen has wrapping paper on his forehead.

We spent the night at Nanny's house, woke up rested and relaxed and enjoyed her typical yummy breakfast before exchanging more presents!


At Nanny's, we go by the rule that just about every food can be improved with whipped cream!


Woo-hoo ... another John Deere tractor!


And SpongeBob pj's!


"Mommy, open me! I'm your present!" So, so true!


Maria is pretty much always this happy. She is truly a joy to be around.


Hannah and Todd in a quiet moment (photo by Owen). Check out the love on Todd's face - pretty great, huh?

On Friday we journeyed to Gettysburg in order to celebrate my mom's birthday and spend the day with Kris, Jeff, Samantha, Mackenzie, and Riley, who arrived early in the morning after driving all night from Green Bay (do not envy them that trip at all, but so glad they do it!!).

To give Jeff some peace and quiet for his nap, we took the kids to an indoor play place for a few hours, where I snapped this cute pic of Riley (but nothing else really "post-able").


Many arcade games, tickets and one plastic snake later, we went back to the house, greeted Uncle Rich and Aunt Cathy; had dinner and gluten-free birthday cake; and, yep, opened more gifts!


Kenzie didn't think much of this wrapping job, but she adored the gift inside.


Our beautiful Rapunzel ... I mean Samantha!


Isn't Jeff lucky to have a sister-in-law like me to buy him a pink polo? Yeah, it's a little joke ... but it really is a nice shirt!


Uncle Rich demonstrating proper use of Dad's new golf ball belt. Kenzie wisely avoiding looking.


Owen got "Pigeon Wants a Puppy" and asked Cearra to read it right away. Owen will not be getting a puppy any time soon.

Finally it was back to our house for the night. Owen was very excited for Santa's visit.


Milk and cookies for Santa; carrots for the reindeer.

Christmas morning ... so much fun to watch Owen come around the corner into the family room and see all the packages Santa left. He just kind of stared and said, "Wow, that's a lot of presents".


His new zhu-zhu hamsters Sarge and Thorn helped him open his gifts.


Couldn't resist some zebra print duct tape for Cearra's stocking!

After more unwrapping (I do have the photos, but thought I'd spare you any more scenes of Owen ripping off paper!) we had breakfast, then drove to Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Bud's for our annual Kaufmann family party. Loved catching up with my cousins and their spouses. As always, Jeanne outdid herself with the food and hospitality (mmm, maybe that will inspire her to leave a comment)!

Whew - so, four Christmas celebrations in four days, and we were all happily exhausted. The 26th was the perfect day for us to keep warm in front of a fire, cheer on our playoff bound Ravens, chow down on chili and (more) Christmas cookies, and enjoy some of our goodies.


Bob with two of his gifts - Mary Baldwin Dad mug from Cee-Cee, and a Ravens snuggie thing from me!


He occassionally does play with something other than tractors.


My John Deere kids - the best gifts I ever received.

So that's it from here. I sincerely hope your Christmas was special. Bring on 2011!