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!

The Best! Birthday! Ever! (for the 2nd year)

Is it just me, or does six seem a lot older than five?

When Bryn was about four years old she asked me when she'd be able to have gum. I told her she could when she was six. Over the past couple of years she's checked with me countless times to make sure I've remembered and to be sure that six is still the magic age to have gum.

As soon as the excitement of Christmas was over she started to focus on her birthday and she reminded me almost daily about the gum. We had one particularly funny conversation about it a few weeks ago:

Mom, remember you said I could have gum when I turn six?

Yes, Bryn, I remember.

Can I have the first piece on my birthday, Mom?

Sure. But just because you can have gum when you're six doesn't mean you'll be able to chew gum everyday.

Oh, I know, it will only be on special days. So do you think I could have another piece when I turn seven?

She cracks me up. :)

Bryn had a great birthday. The Best! Birthday! Ever! according to her. She took cookies to school to share with her friends and they sang Happy Birthday; we went out for supper with her papa and cousin Jacey and the entire restaurant sang to her; she had cake and presents and cards and phone calls. And her party was still to come the next day. By the time bedtime came I didn't think she'd ever get to sleep she was so excited about her day and her upcoming party. And the joy...it would have put a smile on anybody's face to see the joy she felt over everything.

Thanks to everyone who came to help Bryn celebrate the Best Birthday Ever II.

Happy Birthday, Bryn, we love you!

First photo of my 6-year-old.

Presents after breakfast.

Gum!

I'm six!

Spinning the Birthday Prize Wheel at the restaurant.

More presents!

Bryn chose a ladybug cake this year.

Cutie bugs Bryn and Caia.

Best buddies.