The wonderful whirlwhind that was Christmas!!!!

This is going to be a long post so you might want to grab a cup of coffee, a diet pepsi or any other beverage of choice. As I sit here tonight to write this post I can't help but feel tired. First of all we were so lucky to start this month of in Disneyland which is definitely The Happiest Place on Earth to me! We had such a wonderful trip. When we got back home we were thrust into the Nutcracker which was a wonderful experience for Holly. Well I think I am going to start with Christmas Day and work backwords from there. We went to my parents for Christmas dinner. We had a very nice time. We haven't gone there in about 3 years but went this year. It was nice because my sister and brother and their families were there. This year there were also some family friends that came. We had a huge crowd but everyone had a great time. Here is my niece Faith with a couple of " celebrity " guests. Gabriella from High School Musical and Hannah Montana. It was nice of them to take some time out of their busy schedules to stop by for a visit.

I was happy to get a picture of myself with my brother and my sister. We always loved Christmas when we were growing up. I enjoy getting to see them and spend time with them and their great families.

Here are all of the cousins in front of Grandmas tree. It is not often that we all can get together because Tiffany and Alissa are both very busy with their activities. It sure was nice. They are a very cute group! I love them all so much.

Tiffany enjoyed some quality time with Chase, Maddie and Faith. They love to see her.

Well Tiffany was very excited to finally get her Ipod. Alissa was tricked but so excited to see see is finally gettting her Lettermans jacket. It is on order and should be here shortly. Holly got an Nintendo DS and is in heaven. I was operating the video camera while they were opening those gifts.

We have been lucky enough to spend the past several Christmas Eve's with our good friends Kevin and Jessie. We always have a great time there. We get to see both of the girls and some other friends from our old neighborhood. Santa always makes a stop too. I think it is so nice because he is so busy on Christmas Eve. The kids love it. He always takes the time to talk with them about everything going on in their lives.

Holly really enjoys seeing him. You never really know for sure if he is coming but the kids are always hoping. They behave really well too just in case.

Well I bake up a storm during the week prior to Christmas. I love to do this. I then package up the baking and give it to my friends as gifts. This year was a little off kilter though. With everything surrounding the Nutcracker keeping us extremely busy I just didn't have the same time frame. I will keep this in my special Christmas binder as a reminder for next year. This is just one of the packages I made up.

I didn't take pictures of all my baking but I have this picture of the peppermint bark I made. Oh boy was it yummy! I made Shortbread cookies, Jam Thumbprint Cookies. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, Iced Sugar Cookies, Chocolate covered peanut butter balls, Fudge, and covered marshmallows. I was having a great time. Everything turned out really nice.

This is a picture of my banister. The Mickey and Minnie stockings always hang there. I have a lot of Disney decorations as you might have guessed. I love them.



This is a picture of out tree in the Living room. I love sitting in there and looking at it. It is always so festive. This year I had a total of 6 trees up. My husband thinks I am nuts but to me I love it.


Last week we went to Carols house to celebrate Christmas. We LOVE going to see Carol. We always have the best time there. She makes us a wonderful lunch and we have such a great visit. This year we also got to visit with Lisa for awhile. It is nice to see them even if it is for a short time.

Alissa was really happy to see Lisa. She is her lifelong best friend. Aren't they so cute?


Grnadma and Grandpa came out to see Holly's final performance of The Nutcracker. It was so much fun. it worked out perfect because I was able to get them seats righ next to us. The performance was wonderful and after the show they told Holly she could pick anywhere she wanted to go for dinner. She picked her favorite place and we were off. Once we got there. Grandma gave her a present from her Auntie which was a really cute necklace and then this Rat King Nutcracker from Grandma and Grandpa. She hasn't let it out of her grasp or her sight. She loves it alot.


Holly also attended a special party following the performance and she got her picture taken with the cast as well as autographs from them all. She had a blast.

Holly with the Sugar Plum Fairies. She loved them.



Here is Holly with her teacher Mrs. Hollander. This was after the party at school. They kids ate pizza first and were suppossed to go out for recess before coming back in for a craft rotations and cookies. Well Mother Nature had plans of her own and they had to stay inside for rainny day recess. It all worked out though. The kids seemed to have fun. Boy I have to say that both Holly and myself were ready to have a couple of weeks off. She does miss Mrs. Hollander but is happy to just be at home.


So as you can see we have been wrapped up in this whirlwind that was Christmas and we loved it. I always feel a bit sad after Christmas because I love it so much. This year though I still feel a bit sad but I am hoping to get a bit of much needed rest. I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and am wishing you the best and brightest for the New Year!