In early December, I decided to take a little blogging/Facebook hiatus for Advent and the beginning of the Christmas season. I thought I’d dedicate my first 7QT post of 2015 to what we were up to this past month. Mostly, it’s going to be a crazy photo dump that I’m going to manipulate into 7 loose categories. I haven’t uploaded the pictures from our “real” (fancy schmancy) camera, so we’re just going to have to settle for grainy cell phone pics. I’ll get my act together as a real blogger someday!
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We had fun getting ready for Christmas!
Harry decided to become one with the packaging from the Nativity scene
You haven’t lived if you’ve never tried getting that staticky stuff off of a squirming 16-month-old!
That silly Elf Bernie showed up for more shenanigans this Advent
He left with a flourish this year!
St. Nick remembered to visit the morning after Mama played Bunco late on Friday, December 5th. What a guy!
The kids loved our time around the Advent wreath after dinner.
There’s something magical about singing “O come, O come, Emmanuel” by candlelight with your family.
We even got to have an unexpected, romantic candlelit dinner (thanks, Advent wreath!) one night when the power went out just as we were setting the table!
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Harry decided that Monty was the most comfy seat in the house
Monty isn’t so sure about Harry’s new-found fondness for him
It looks like Monty’s saying, “Alright, Mom. It was cute the first time, but this is getting old!”
Harry also started making the most terrible stink eye face you’ve ever seen! Stink eye selfie!
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We had a Christmas party with our GodTeens. One of the guys brought “Ninja-Bread Cookies.” Aren’t they awesome?!
Jane and Walt loved ’em! “KA-CHOW!”
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There was a whole lotta “holy leisure” while the kids had time off from preschool.
Brothers watching movies in jammies
“Special Day” with Walt. Lunch at Runza (who doesn’t need a bowl of ice cream with a shake after a burger and fries?!) and a trip to Barnes & Noble
Dr. Walt giving Jane a check-up with Daddy’s otoscope
Cheers! Hot chocolate in sippy cups while we looked at Christmas lights in the car
Baking boys
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We had fun with the Bouchers on Christmas Eve
Jane got her very own Lambie pillow!
Walt and silly Olaf wearing Papa’s glasses
Blue sweater boys
Our best attempt at a family pic
Got the whole group in a shot using Maddy’s selfie stick!
Jane has been sleeping with her cuddly Lambie pillow and little Lambie ever since
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And we had a quiet Christmas morning with our little family
Opening stockings. Walt got Despicable Me 2. His entire Christmas vacation has revolved around Gru and his minions.
Monty got a new leash and collar
We put on Despicable Me 2 while getting everyone ready for Mass. Harry was ENTHRALLED!
A kinda sorta okay group pic in front of our parish Nativity scene. (Yes, that’s a minion in a Santa hat that Walt is holding. It came with his movie, and he had to bring it to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.) Note to self: From this year on, we will ALWAYS go to Mass on Christmas Day morning. It was so much more peaceful than the chaos of the Christmas Eve mob.
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And we finished out the fanfare with a Christmas evening celebration with the Witts.
Silly selfie with Daddy
Mom & Dad in front of da bear
Harry, for one, thinks Grandpa has the best stuffed animals around!
Waiting for Santa’s annual big appearance
We got to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa’s 65th wedding anniversary a few nights later. 65 YEARS!!! I took a pic of them sharing stories from their early years. What a fun night!
The Guys
The Girls
Off to enjoy these last few days of Christmas vacation with the fam! To read more 7QT posts from other bloggers, head over to Kelly Mantoan’s blog, This Ain’t The Lyceum!
Lovely family photos! I love the one with Olaf wearing glasses. I believe Frozen characters have invaded the homes of everyone with young kiddos… Happy New Year!!!
T’onna
Hi, T’onna! Sorry for the delay. I wasn’t receiving e-mails when I had gotten comments, but I think I got it all straightened out. Olaf is a family favorite around these parts. Hope you’re having a blessed New Year!
Lovely family photos! I love the one with Olaf wearing glasses. I believe Frozen characters have invaded the homes of everyone with young kiddos… Happy New Year!!!
T’onna
Hi, T’onna! Sorry for the delay. I wasn’t receiving e-mails when I had gotten comments, but I think I got it all straightened out. Olaf is a family favorite around these parts. Hope you’re having a blessed New Year!