The return of Bernie the Elf!
He arrived with advent calendars and snowball cookies. His elf friend Anthony also arrived, since his family was staying with us for a few days.
Of course he caused MUCH mischief during the month.
Chrismtas piano recitals:
The annual Preschool Parade of the Magi:
An epic gingerbread house (that won 3rd place):
Here on display through the entire month:
A visit to National Harbor:
Neighborhood parties:
A neighborhood ornament exchange and more food:
Our favorite "Eat in the Hallway" Christmas Pentagon Party:
Horse and wagon rides:
Time with friends:
Decorating cookie ornaments with both Max and Clara's classes:
A visit from neighborhood santa on Christmas Eve:
Christmas Eve cookies and pj's:
Putting reindeer food out on the roof:
And finally.... Christmas morning!!
Clara was SO excited that she displayed every present like she'd just won a gold medal. Unfortunately, the 500 pack of printer paper that Santa brought kinked something in her neck, and she spent the rest of the day flat on the couch. Poor poor baby.
Her new DS eased some of the pain. As did a Christmas morning pedicure:
And check out this cool pack of crayons from Grandma and Grandpa (with Max and Clara's two favorite colors!):
As always, lots of Steelers gifts:
Mommy must have been a VERY good girl this year:
Penny's present lasted all of 5 minutes:
Thanks goodness Grandma wrapped and sent one of her old stinky slippers:
Max mid-sneeze and Penny tasting the sweetness of the stanky slipper.
Clara emerged from the couch around dinner-time and reported that her neck felt a little better. Her hair, on the otherhand....
So even though (after a busy but fun month) we feel a little like this:
Best Holiday wishes from our family to yours!






I'm glad Clara is feeling better! And, I'm glad you had a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: Melinda | December 27, 2011 at 03:23 PM