From the Mouths of Babes in December

Eileen: (while leading grace) in the name of the froggy, and the son, and the froggy doggy. Amen.

Eileen:  Knocking makes the baby Jesus cry.

Eileen:  I can't live without a balloon!!!

Eileen:  Mommy! (tattling)  Linus called me a Ronald Reagan.

And the Christmas Celebration is finally over.

Our last guests left the house this afternoon.  After more than a week of merry revelry I am finally ready for a breather.  Pinterest and I are taking a break from each other.  Having a nice large house with giant table, I got to shoulder the responsibility of hosting multiple gatherings.  Pinterest was my saving grace when it came to creating menus.

The festivities began with the requisite Christmas pageant followed by the kindergarten nativity play and gingerbread house making before everyone left for winter break.  The next day I hosted my mother's side of the family for the annual Hurley Christmas get together.  Over the years it has been pared down to a game of white elephant versus actual gift exchange.  Not wanting to plan two Christmas dinners, I hosted a brunch.  I'm very proud of how my food turned out--gingerbread pancakes with lemon syrup and paleo muffins, mulled wine, greek yogurt and berries, mini quiches.  It was yummy.  The gingerbread pancakes are definitely going to become a Christmas tradition.

We started the week on Monday with a trip to the Urgent Care with Linus for an ear infection and a visit for Robin at Children's.  Tuesday was another trip to Children's and then a holiday party at a friend's house.  Christmas Eve was very chill--board games, movies, and cooking.  After spending the day in the kitchen and lots of time over the course of the holidays in the kitchen, I was done cooking.  So began another tradition--Thai food for Christmas Eve dinner.  After dinner, we were off to mass with my parents. 

Christmas Day brought a merry morning of present opening, egg nog scones, and hot cocoa followed by naps, playing with new toys, and then more Christmas with the Larson side of the family.  For this, I made (lots of bragging) the most amazing cranberry glazed pork tenderloin,  baked macaroni and cheese, ceasar salad, and roasted balsamic carrots.  I still can't stop thinking about that pork.  There was more mulled wine with egg nog custard and Speculous cookie butter cheesecake for dessert in addition to lots of cookies and candy.

After presents and quality family time, my parents left so we put all the kids to bed to the grownups could play Cards Against Humanity.  Dave dominated.  Linus stayed up until midnight.  The Rousseaus spent the rest of the week with us.  The kids played, the grown ups hung out in pajamas a lot.  One night Beth and I went over to a friend's house to drink wine and have tarot readings.  It was awesome.  Finally, there was Christmas with the Dimocks where Dave got all the credit for the  absolute joy my nephew experienced upon opening his gift.

Dancing with Robin.  He loves to rock back and forth to Stop the Calvary.

Unimpressed by stockings.

He liked his presents, especially his castle and baby, Charley.

Linus loved his magic set and magician's hat that he can pull a rabbit out of.  Our day was filled with him practicing his act.

Wowing Eileen with his skills.

Photo taken by my new camera, complete with bed head and jammies.

hiding under the table with a Minecraft torch

Robin wanted in on the action and crawled over to join in the fun.

Unimpressed cousins.

It was a good Christmas, full of thoughtful gifts, the majority free or homemade.  Dave surprised me with a new point and shoot camera.  The kids loved making presents for one another and showed so much genuine appreciation  for the gifts received.  That said,  I'm glad it's all done.  I'm ready to take down the decorations, take a few deep breaths, and start a new year.

Christmas Art in Juxtaposition

Going to Catholic school means there are plenty of opportunities for coloring different Christmas scenes.  Linus willing completes these and then uses the backside of each page to exercise his imagination.  The results are nothing short of hilarious when considered opposite the Holy Family.

One side, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.  The other?  Samurais and a monster fighting while evil snowmen play checkers.

Counting the snowflakes and clouds with Santa.  Samurai versus Martial Arts master.

 Precious Nativity.  The cheery, holiday favorite Blood Monster.

 And finally, the start of a short story.  I really love his attempts at spelling.

"Once upon a time a girl was sleeping in her room and a robber was breaking into her house."

Ah yes, nothing says Christmas like a man sneaking into your house at night while you sleep.  Oh wait. Nevermind.

I don't think Linus' teacher has any idea what he is drawing during class. 

Nowhere Box

There is a children's book the kids and I love called, The Nowhere Box, by Sam Zuppardi.  It is a wonderful book, especially for a family with three kids and I highly recommend it.

Amongst all the moving and Christmas shopping, quite a few boxes have made their way into our house.  The other day a rather large box arrived at our doorstep.  Instead of breaking it down, I simply left it out and said nothing.  It didn't take long for the kids to discover it.  They immediately yelled, "It's a Nowhere Box!"  The fun quickly ensued. 

Eileen's all-knowing eye

Some sort of fishing expedition

It's been four days.  As I write this, Linus has wrapped Eileen up in the box with painter's tape and is asking if he can mail her to Florida.  I said, "Sure, as long as you pay for shipping.'

Our Festive Best, Santa, and a Shark

The holidays are a nice excuse to get dressed up.  It's one of the few times where my kids still let me dress them and Dave wears a tie.

First up, the holiday work party.  I haven't been in several years. 

Note to self: learn to style hair.

The promised excitement of Santa had the kids leaping into their holiday clothes after school.

My Christmas Cuties

Of course, they aren't always the most cooperative for the camera.

"If I must."

Right outside of Santa's home, was a gumball machine.  The offer of gum in exchange for cooperation was enough to satisfy Linus.  Poor Eileen has a stye.  Robin was none too thrilled, but calmed down enough by the third shot.

Santa had a "nice" list kids could add their names to.  Linus was helpful and wrote all three names.

Did I mention that I now live with a shark.  Eileen has recently rediscovered our shark costume.  She even wears the head out in public, removing it only to eat.

Not too many people can say they have gone to lunch with a shark and come back alive.

Festive Saturday Morning

My friend, Beth, asked me if the kids and I wanted to go to the gingerbread houses at the Sheraton today.  I agreed and knew Dave would enjoy having some time off from parental responsibilities.  Beth thought I was crazy for wanting to meet at 9 am, but what I think is more crazy is standing in line for 2 hours (with kids no less) to look at a couple of giant gingerbread houses.

My plan worked great.  There was no line and we even walked through twice.  We continued with our festive morning with some red cups from Starbucks and then walked over to the Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmount.  I loved what they did this year with the decor.  Usually it is pretty dark in there, but this year it was white and bright.  The kids were all in good spirits.  Linus kept wanting to hold Robin and show him everything.  After snuggling a few teddy bears, we then walked to the Westlake Carousel.  Beth was so sweet and not only did she pay for the carousel, but took the kids to the toy store and bought them each a present.  We ended the trip with lunch at Barnes and Noble.

It was a wonderful morning and the kids were great.  Seattle is so fun during the holidays.  Maybe I can convince Dave to do our Christmas shopping downtown this year.

My favorite thing about today happened when I looked back at the pictures I snapped.  In every photo, Linus is looking away and Eileen is looking at Linus.

On the carousel, Eileen is looking back behind me at Linus.

 I can only hope that one day Linus realizes how much Eileen loves him.