Christmas Vacation: Decorative Memories

The wife's family tree is full of memories in the form of eclectic Christmas ornaments. Each year the Christmas decorations seem to take on new memories. Here we reminisce about this and past years just before the two peas travel home. It's been a great vacation.

The wife and her siblings used to make these and sell them for school fundraisers.

Mom's creativity. So cute!

Teddy bears and ornaments that came with presents from long ago.

Ornaments that were "new" almost ten years ago, which they got along with Styrofoam balls they could throw at each other (they missed the snow).

Baby ornaments...

Grandma's old ornaments

The little village we all still play with...

Christmas Vacation: the Days After Christmas

Once Christmas day was done the rest of the vacation seemed to fly by. Guess we were having too much fun.

We played games.

French Scrabble Night

We went skiing

Treat making was a must: more truffles, cathedral window cookies, cream puffs, and spinach artichoke tomato cheese cups. Yum!

Christmas Vacation: Christmas Day

Christmas day came and the family went to church early in the morning, and then zoomed home....

Just kidding; actually, some bushes near their parking spot decided to make mincemeat of the grill on their vehicle, so technically they hobbled home.

And then they opened presents. So many great faces and surprises.

Rings and robes

Oh boy! More firepower! There was many a nerf war over the holidays.

Enjoy that chocolate.

Mind puzzles. Hubby is deep in thought.

The Christmas feast...

And, of course, the tea set was a big hit.

Christmas Vacation: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through this house 

every creature was stirring...

Santa Clause came to town and delivered pajamas, and then once the young ones were finally in bed the adults assembled and finished last minute presents for a Christmas morning presentation.

Everyone got to sit on Santa's lap. Even hubby took a turn.

The doll's tea set turned out cute. We were excited to see the girls' faces Christmas morning.

Christmas Vacation: Crafts and Fun

 The two peas arrived in sunny California and jumped right into the Christmas fun!

They made treats, wrapped gifts, and went caroling to neighbors. The wife sewed dresses and pajamas with her siblings.

Making mint chocolate truffles.

They turned out pretty well...

Yummy and decorative dinners

Out caroling Christmas Eve Night

 Sewing pretty dresses...

Playing games....

Reading A Christmas Carol

Double Take...

This ad came in the mail a couple of weeks ago. We don't drink Red Bull, so the hubby sent it off to school to give it to a thirsty fellow student. What caught us off guard was the little note that came with it. With a little laugh, all we could think in response was, "Beg to differ...."

The Final Pictures

After much tweaking and coloring and blending, the final family photo is here! Along with several fun versions.

The Photo we started with...

After combining three photos, correcting skin tone and lighting, etc., we get this beautiful family portrait! Yay!

Have fun this season, and enjoy the company of family and friends. They are the best people, and the best presents for Christmas.