My 12 Favorite 2009 Christmas Moments...

(in no particular order!)

#1 - Santa's Helpers....

Jack and Jayce LOVED everything associated with Christmas. At the sight of a camera they would scream "candy cane" and crack themselves up....

#2 - Waking up Christmas morning in coordinating (warm & cozy) holiday "jammies"...

What can I say? It's a tradition that started when I was a child and I've continued with my kids.

#3 - Watching my kids come down the stairs to see what Santa brought them.

They are so good. They actually wait for me to get my first cup of coffee, feed the dogs, and get the camera before they rush to look under the tree.

#4 - Grandma and Papa's annual attempt to get a picture with all of their grandchildren.

This year the grandchild count reached 7 with the birth of Luke to Paco and Kerrie. Unfortunately, Luke did not make it to the picture this year. Maybe next year!

#5 - Spending time with my big brother and his family.

Robert Jr. travels a lot so while we get to see his kids at least once a month, we don't get to spend time with him and Beth nearly enough. Christmas is the one time we know we'll get to spend some time with them.

#6 - Spending time with my baby brother and his family.

We hang out with them all the time as Jack and Jayce are not only cousins but best buddies but having the boys discover the joys of Christmas together made it even more special.

#7 - Spending time with my sister and her family

Michelle and Chris own two stores so during the holidays we barely see them until they close their stores on Christmas Eve and FINALLY get to relax.

#8 - My Kids' Reactions on Christmas Morning to their loot...

Never mind that they are now 12 and 10 years old respectively, I can still manage to surprise them with gifts that they weren't expecting but were thrilled about. For Katja this year it was book #2 of a series she just fell in love with. For Robbie, what else, a new football and kicking tee.

#9 - Finding The Perfect Gift for each...

If you know my kids, NO explanations necessary, right?

#10 - Cousins playing football in the yard

I am saving this picture! I bet they'll still be playing football like this on Christmas ten years from now! Of course, grandma won't have to worry about them running into the street then and they won't be in matching outfits.... ;)

#11 - Robbie Singing Karaeke on Christmas Eve

Robert and Beth got a portable karaoke machine for all the cousins to have fun with. Much to our surprise Robbie was first to grab the microphone and give it a go!

#12 - Katja Singing a Solo (One Candle) with her choir about Peace.

She sang this several times. The first time was during the choir's Winter concert with all the lights off and her lighting the first candle during her solo, etc. Unfortunately, the lack of lighting resulted in a black screen during video taping much to our disappointment. Fortunately, the choir went from school to school during their Winter Tour singing songs from the show and I was able to record her while she sang at Robbie's school. His classmates found her to be pretty. Robbie was perplexed, "Pretty? Dude, that's my sister..."