The Phelan Family: January 2011

Christmas Part 4 - Christmas Night

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at home with my parents on Christmas night. It was a nice change in tradition and definitely made for a less stressful day, although we missed being with all our family.

Family photo - attempt #283. Fail.

Now that's a good one

I really do love Christmas - it's such a magical time and seeing the excitement through the eyes of my children only makes me enjoy it more.

Cheers! Carter had sparkling cider in a flute glass and felt very special.

Let's eat!

I know my mom shares in my frustration with the lack of quality pictures. At least we have some (albeit of questionable quality) to prove they were there.

Christmas Part 3 - Christmas Day Sledding Adventure

After a wonderful Christmas breakfast, we packed up our snow gear, loaded into the truck and headed up to Mt. Hood. The kids had never been tubing before, and it we thought it would be a great way to spend the afternoon. Carter and Kennedy both loved it, and we had just as much fun watching their excitement and joy.

Heading out

So fun!

Nana and the kiddos

Riding in style. Kennedy definitely fared the best on this little adventure, as Kyle pulled her up the hill every time.

Can't you just see the joy - she loved every second of it!

Carter and Pops. Thankfully we had warm weather and sunshine, which made our trip to the snow much more enjoyable for Nana and Pops.

Wheeee

Christmas Part 2 - Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning

Morning! The kids were up at 6:00, but we managed to hold them off for another 30 minutes before we dove into presents. I got them to 'pose' by holding their stockings hostage. Kind of worked.

Stockings from Santa

It was just as much fun to help others unwrap their gifts as it was to unwrap their own.

New clothes!

Carter's Santa gift - a bow and arrow. I'm always so impressed that he chooses one gift months before Christmas and doesn't change his mind or add to his list. This year it was a bow and arrow, and Santa happily obliged.

Kennedy's gift from Santa was an American Girl Bitty Baby. It really is the sweetest baby doll I've ever seen and she loved it! It was definitely the toy of choice that day.

Christmas Part 1 - Christmas Eve

I figured I had better get on the ball and post a few pics from Christmas...I have hundreds, but I'll spare you. We were so blessed this year - we had a wonderful Christmas, celebrating with family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Our attempt at family pictures. The kids were not having it. I'm so impressed with families who consistently capture great shots of the whole gang, smiling AND looking at the same camera. How do you do it?

After church, we came home and celebrated Christmas Eve with Nana & Pops, Grandma & Papa and Aunt Peg. Instead of trying to do a big dinner, we just served heavy apps - much easier and so delicious!