Christmas 2011

Our Christmas was delightful. I love having lots of people together and all the kids running around in excited anticipation. The fun began on Christmas Eve. Here's a nice shot of the kids' table. They of course ate pretty fast so they could then run off and play together.

The rest of us enjoyed our yummy, traditional ham dinner before heading to church for the much loved Christmas Eve service.

After church, everyone headed back to our house for dessert. I may have gone overboard with the dessert display this year, but I couldn't help myself. Tell me, is cupcakes, brownies, fudge, chocolate peanut butter balls, and two kids of cookies too much? Nah. And we enjoyed another performance from the kids. No introverts in this group!

This time they performed some classic Christmas carols and songs they had learned at church.

Will was a great little drummer boy and kept a steady beat. Seriously, that boy has skills.

Matt chimed in with some more awesome dance moves.

And this was Matt's Christmas list this year. It all began when we received the Little Tikes catalog in the mail at the end of November. It reads: Playmobil restaurant kit, town center playhouse, neighborhood market, race and refuel playhouse, cozy pumper, stomp rockets, and Cars 2.

Did Santa deliver all those items? Well, no. But, he did bring some pretty awesome stuff that he knew Matt & Will would love. Legos, Playmobil, and things with wheels were the theme.

And they scored this cool grocery market. Will took to it right away bringing us ice cream and bananas.

Later, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Tim & Aunt Pam joined us for more gift opening and reverie. Steven giggled at one point and noted that it's not a Jones Christmas until everyone is sitting around looking at a book.

Matt got a super sweet Atlas.

And this is the gift that Matt made for me at school that he wrapped and everything. He was so excited when he brought it home and carefully put it under the tree and instructed me I couldn't open it until Christmas. That boy is sweet.

Matt has really loved his Angry Birds game.

After we polished off a yummy brunch and cleaned ourselves up, we headed out to Mimi & Papa Rener's for the rest of the day. The cousins were thrilled to be reunited again, and they spent the evening playing, opening gifts, and watching movies.

Kids table! Yes, but where is Henry?

Oh wait...there he is!! Erika served some amazing homemade manicotti and one delicious Italian dinner. We had a very Merry Christmas indeed! I realize that Steven was somehow not photographed on Christmas, but I assure you he was there! We are grateful he was able to be home both Christmas Eve & Christmas Day this year. Such a treat. Getting to be around so much family made the holiday so special, and we are so thankful that we were all able to gather together. Thank you, God, for your outpouring of blessings upon us; I am amazed at your goodness and grace. But most of all, thank you for the gift of your Son on Christmas.