December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Gavin and Parker made it on Santa's nice list!  They got an indoor basketball hoop to share, a pogo stick for Gavin, and a pirate ship for Parker. 

What did you get in your stocking Parker?

Matchbox cars!

Popcorn and chocolate coins in the treat balls this year!

December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve Cookie Decorating!

Making perfect cookies for Santa requires serious concentration.

No Mom, I didn't sneak any licks of frosting off of Santa's cookies.  What gave you that idea?

Little hands, hard at work, making "reindeer" cookies...

Better taste test to make sure it meets Santa's standards...

I think Santa will be pleased with his cookies this year!

December 26, 2011

Santa brought the family a popcorn popper.  As you can see here it is a much loved addition to the house!

December 25, 2011

This Christmas morning will go down in my books as one of the best ever.  The kids were awesome.  They were happy and calm.  They weren't in a frantic rush to open their presents, but rather took time with each item.

Gavin looking at one of the books he unwrapped.

Andy testing out the plasma car that Santa brought for the boys.

 Taking a leisurely break for breakfast.

 Inspecting a toy boat together.

 "Helping" each other, miraculously without any tears!

As soon as Parker discovered his new PJ's he spent the rest of the morning like this!  I think he liked them better than any toys.  Too funny!

Showing off a prized toy.

The rest of the family came over at for lunch and Maralyn presented some with these fabulous sweatshirts!

 Not to be outdone, Tania shows off....errrr......"Kermit."

December 24, 2011

A few snapshots from Chistmas Eve dinner.

Funny faces - like mother, like daughter.

Poor puppies!

Decorating cookies for Santa. 

Grandma Annie had a captivated audience as she read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

December 10, 2011

It just wouldn't be the holiday season without trying to capture at least one presentable photo of the cousins.  This year's holiday celebration was no exception!

Take 1.  Tynan is such a good sport as they flock to him.

Take 29

Take 364

Take 30000 (there may be some exaggeration in my director's cut estimates...).  I think you get the point.

Despite the wiggling arms, giggling mouths, and wrestle-mania, we did not give up easily!.......but maybe we should have.  I personally don't have one cohesive photo of the group, but rather, a gazillion adorably truthful snapshots.

Andy and I held true to our traditional Tynan present prank.  Box numero uno (the biggest box under the tree mind you).

Little kids getting in on the action for box #2.  And yes, each nestled box was individually wrapped. 

 Box #3.

 Box number 4.

Card number 1.

 Card #2

Card #3 

Success! 

 Adorable.

And another adorable one.

December 5, 2011

We tried our hands at popcorn ball making after the tree was decorated yesterday.

Variety of hand sizes, variety of popcorn ball sizes.  I happen to think the little ones are particularly cute because of the little hand that packed them.

Yum.  Unfortunately looks are deceptive.  They tasted delicious when you could manage to chisel a bite off.  There was a real threat of tooth breakage with these puppies.

Eat at your own risk!

Our camera can snap a whole series of photos one right after the next.  I love it.  It enables me to capture some of the funnier reactions from the kids, especially Parker who does not try to hide anything!  Imagine this series as a flip book.

Pondering life's deep questions as he gnaws away on a popcorn ball.