Christmas 2009

WARNING: This is a really long post. I just couldn't cut it down any further.

The excitement in our house Christmas morning was amazing. We waited for everyone to wake up before heading downstairs at 7:00a.m.
The first stop, checking out the cookies and carrots.


The stockings




The presents




Cooper couldn't care less about the presents. I had prepared a plate full of fruit and another plate of banana bread, raspberry bread, cinnamon rolls etc... He camped out there and devoured anything he could get his hands on.







After the food was gone he became interested in the gifts.




The rest of the day was spent in our jammies, eating, drinking, playing, crafting, cooking and rocking out to the Beatles.












The best presents EVER. Who could ask for anything more?



This present is a keeper




The Prince and Princess of dinner.




Our beautiful centre piece Simon made.


Cooper enjoys his first Christmas dinner.




Happy Birthday Baby Jesus. When the kids were waiting for their cake Simon started to chant "Jesus Cake, Jesus Cake". I thought our house would be struck by lightening for sure.





Blowing out the candles.



We had a perfect day. We couldn't have asked for anything more. We hope your Christmas was full of fun, food and relaxation.
Merry Christmas.

All is set...

Santa's foot prints. That Santa sure is messy.



The stockings are placed on the couch with care.... We didn't hang our stockings from the fireplace this year because of Cooper.....we all know what would have happened to those socks with the destroyer around.


The tree and the gifts are ready to go. Ready for the crazy excitement and the magic of Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2009

We have many little traditions in our house that start on Christmas Eve. Before we head off to the 5:00 family mass at St. Mary's Church in Barrie we attempt to take some photos of the kids.

The three of them together.



Individual photos. I asked them to pose for me, this is what I got....










On our way home from church we pick up chinese food for dinner. I don't know why, we always have. Bring on the Christmas Story jokes.

This year our dinner was pleasently delayed...just as we got into the house Simon spotted Santa.


One of the joys of living in a small town is the community aspect. This little community pulls together for everything, benefits, food drives, clothing drives, summer festivals and Santa visits.

So excitied to be talking to Santa a the end of our driveway.



After dinner the kids get into their matching P.J.'s and open their brother-sister presents.




We get the milk and cookies for Santa.




The carrots for the reindeer.


And write Santa a little note.




Then the work begins for Jason and I. Putting together the big gifts and putting all the presents under the tree. Merry Christmas to I and to all a good night.

The laundry room update....

Things are happening.....



And way more has happening since I took this photo. I will update again later.

ADVICE: Never do a reno, no matter how small, when you are doing it all by yourself, have never done custom built-ins before, when your wife continues to add more and more wants to the list, have three kids four and under, work full time, have many volleyball commitments all during the holiday season. GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!!!!!!

The Nutcracker

Every year growing up my mom would take me to Toronto to see the ballet The Nutcracker. It was time I take over the reins and continue this tradition with my mom and Riley.

To give Riley the whole experience we drove to Yorkdale and took the subway from there.



We had lunch at the Sheridan Centre.




The pre-show story time.


It was such a great show! The day was even more fabulous to be there with my mom and daughter. Let the tradition continue.