Christmas in August (!)

Oy. That's bad. No excuses, it's clearly poor time management skills.

We had a wonderful Christmas. It gets better every year -- Bryn's excitement over everything to do with Christmas escalates with each year and she has such fun even Scrooge would have a hard time keeping a smile off his face.


As you know, Christmas is a busy time.

First, there's the preparation...

Picking out a tree.

 Decorating it with special friends.

All done!

 Making the gingerbread house.

 And chocolates.

And cookies.

 Visiting the Enchanted Forest.

 Brushing up on our winter sports.

 Creating a Christmas masterpiece.

Performing in the school Christmas concert.

 And having a Christmas visit with BFFs.

It's Christmas Eve. Only one more sleep but still so much to do...

 Santa needs lights to guide his way.

The reindeer need a snack.

 And so does Santa.

He also needs some special letters.

And a magic key to get in the house.

 The presents need a final shake.

 And we're good to go!

 Last but not least, a bedtime story.

All ready!  :)

Finally, finally it's Christmas Day...

It looks like Santa was here!

 And it's time to open presents!

 Jessie loved her sock monkey.

 Our chief BBQer got a new apron.

 Bryn went shopping at the Christmas "store" at her school and picked

out a gift for her dad.

 Fun with the new toys.

And the boxes and paper.

It was a green, brown and a-little-bit-of-white Christmas.

 Our annual family photo.

 Bob joined us for Christmas dinner.

And stayed to play.

It was the best Christmas ever!