merry christmas at last

As I sit here eating the last of the Christmas dinner (mmmm...candied yams. Sorry, Jared - I couldn't resist any longer,) I am ready to admit that Christmas is really over. Kind of sad to see another Christmas go - we had such a good one this year. Jared's parents came to visit us all last week and we had such a great time with them. They are my kind of treat-eating, movie-watching people! One of the best things about having them here is that I don't have to pick up my camera the entire time - Jared's dad does it for me! So here are a few glimpses of our Christmas week together (in no particular order):

Release the hounds!

Sam, looking coy in his Sunday clothes. And holding a pot from Eleanor's new kitchen (which he has taken over.)



The girls in their new Sunday "gowns"


I could not open this toy fast enough! This picture does not quite convey how agitated Sam was about not being able to get at his new tools. And oh what rapture when I finally broke through all the molded plastic!

Some serious ballet poses in their new gear from Aunt Miranda. The tutus were a huge hit.



Our annual gingerbread house extravaganza. Eve looks like she questioning my ability here.

Reading the note from Santa.


Eve tenderly looking over the art kit she has yearned for during the last year.

Ah, Christmas magic