For several weeks afterwards, the very first thing someone asks who hasn't seen you for a while is, "How was your Christmas?" Well, I have been absent from my blog, so I'll answer this frequently asked question:
It was wonderful, though I am seriously lacking photographic evidence of this fact. On Christmas Eve, my Dad came over to exchange gifts, then we spent the evening at our friends, the Stephensons' house (and several of their neighbors' houses) caroling.We had a happy relaxed Christmas day. Malcolm's parents and two youngest sisters joined us for Christmas dinner and way too much dessert. Here are some of the very few pictures we actually got around to taking!
This little plane was in the top of Aidan's stocking. He really could not have cared less about opening gifts. Who cares about all those silly wrapped packages when you have a brand new plane!
Karina has been asking for a rag doll for MONTHS (this is what she asked Santa for at Santa's Village on Labor Day) because she LOVES this Raggedy Ann quilt my Aunt Emily got her when we visited her in Florida a few years ago. Santa was good to this good little girl!
We counted up some change from the kids' piggy bank and let the kids select gifts for eachother. This is Karina giving hers to Aidan after she unwrapped it for him (seriously, he could not have been less interested in unwrapping stuff.)
Anyway, we had a lovely Christmas followed by a long vacation for Malcolm--he was off from his full time job for 12 days. We were grateful for the time we got to spend with so many of the people we love and wish that we could have spent time with so many more...maybe next time we'll remember to get out the camera once in a while!
Karina's princess castle cake with five towers and five candles.
Just after blowing out the candles.
Eating cake...here's a tip...if you ever make a cake like this, prepare extra ice cream cones because EVERYONE wants a tower!
Karina and her princess friends opening gifts.
A kiss from the birthday girl!
This little plane was in the top of Aidan's stocking. He really could not have cared less about opening gifts. Who cares about all those silly wrapped packages when you have a brand new plane!
Karina has been asking for a rag doll for MONTHS (this is what she asked Santa for at Santa's Village on Labor Day) because she LOVES this Raggedy Ann quilt my Aunt Emily got her when we visited her in Florida a few years ago. Santa was good to this good little girl!
We counted up some change from the kids' piggy bank and let the kids select gifts for eachother. This is Karina giving hers to Aidan after she unwrapped it for him (seriously, he could not have been less interested in unwrapping stuff.)
Hard at Work 
Karina and Aidan enjoying the finished product. In case you were wondering, yes, Malcolm and I did about 97% of the pumping :)
Karina enjoying a trip down on the saucer.
