Merry Belated Christmas

Merry belated Christmas to my readers!  If you're a regular visitor, you probably know by now that I'm always several days behind in my postings.  This week is no exception.  Before the holidays drift too far into the past, I thought I'd share a few photos from my family's Christmas celebration.

So many presents...

Denise was done with school two weeks before Christmas.  Cody arrived a week before the holiday.  We got our tree the weekend Cody got home.  It was up and decorated while I was away wine tasting (see previous post).  Nice to have grown children that can take care of such things while mom's away!

I bribed my kids and got one good photo

I take lots of pictures, and have since my children were tiny babies.  However, Cody and Denise aren't very keen on my photography hobby.  When they see me getting out my camera, they run the other way.  But on Christmas Eve, I got them to cooperate, and even produced one nice photo of my kids.

Super-large gift for me!

We open our gifts on Christmas Eve, so after dinner my family gathered for the great unwrapping.  I'd noticed a large package stuffed under our tree, but hadn't thought much about it.  Turns out it was for me!  My kids pooled their money and got their mom a photo scanner.  What a great gift!  Ooooh I'll have some fun with this!

My die-hard Vikings fan

Roger has always been a huge Minnesota Vikings fan.  Even through the tough years (such as this current season), his loyalty hasn't wavered.  There's not much Vikings merchandise to be found in Oregon.  But this gives my folks (who live in S. Dakota, much closer to Minn.) something to get their son-in-law for Christmas.

Cody tries to guess what's inside

Not matter the age, it's always fun to watch your kids open their Christmas gifts.

Denise gets a bag of fake fish from her brother

Denise has a history of killing pet fish.  Cody gave her something to fill that empty fish bowl.  A variety of fish that won't die no matter what.  (What are brothers for?)

Cody checks out his new piano book

Cody loves to play our piano.  He wanted a new book of piano songs to practice.  Santa came through!

Denise hugs her stuffed "Benny Beaver"

Denise is easy to buy for.  Any type of Oregon State merchandise is always a winner.  I couldn't resist the OSU mascot pillow pet.  As you can see, Denise loved it.

I got some tea!  Or did I?

I unwrapped one small package from my mom.  It was a box of tea.  I love tea, so was happy to have a new flavor to try.  I put the box in the kitchen, and didn't think another thing about it.  The next morning, wanting a cup of tea with my breakfast, I decided to try my mom's gift.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found no tea inside.  Instead, wrapped in tissue paper, was this cool skier ornament.

Nope - inside the tea box was this cool skier ornament

Christmas 2011 was wonderful.  I was happy with all of my gifts, but the best gift of all was to have my family together.  I'm thankful for my family's health, our home, that my kids are in school pursuing careers, and that Roger and I both have good jobs.  Christmas is a time to stop, reflect, and appreciate all the blessings we have.

Merry Christmas!