A Cherry Creek Christmas 08

Charlie, being a year older, made Christmas extra special this year. Experiencing his excitement and curiosity just made the season all that much more magical. We weren't sure how to handle the whole Santa thing (since I still remember the story of a childhood friend who ran away from home at age 5 when he found out there wasn't a Santa Claus), but Charlie surprised me one day by asking, "Is Santa going to come down our chimney Mom?" while we were watching Rudolph on TV. So, needless to say, we went with it, at least for this year. A week later when we were getting ready to go to Gramma and Papa's house, Charlie asked me if Santa was coming to their house too. I said yes (piling on the "lies" at this point). Charlie thought for a moment and said, "Do they have a chimney mom?" I told him I wasn't sure. He replied, "Let's ask Papa, Papa knows everything." I love this picture of them together and the big smile on Charlie's face, he loves his Papa!

Amelia Moo shows off her new leg warmers that her Dad picked out for her. Good taste Dad, it draws the attention away from my waistline (he he)

Gram was in overdrive this season, as usual! Making monkey bread, egg casseroles, pies and chocolate buckeye balls by the dozen. Somehow she still finds time to have tea parties with the kiddos, break up cousin fights, and bathe and diaper as needed. Oh yeah, and we managed to fit in a sewing project!

Charlie got a couple of wonderful books from Aunt Beth; she is the very best book giver-- she found a sweet one about a little bear named Charlie and another about a dirty digger!

This is the best picture I could get of the three toddlers, yeah, I wasn't too impressed with it either. It is accurate to their personalities, that's for sure--not much for the sitting still.

Mom got the boys some John Deere duds this year.

Another dolly to love. Amelia got dolls from both Grandmas and her mom this year. Sometimes, she carries all 3 around the house together. She is a cute little mommy.

Here is Aaron with his brand new Talking Gustus (a super hero action figure). This was the toy for Aaron this year and the opening of Gustus was truly a crowd-pleaser. He shrieked and danced around the room.

Little Ryan's first Christmas! He worked on this present happily for quite a while.

Sweet picture of Susan Marie and Amelia Marie!

Aaron's face reminds me of a funny Christmas moment. I had given Aaron some Cars underwear that glowed in the dark. I knew it wouldn't be a big hit, but his reaction was priceless! He dropped the present immediately and groaned, rolling his eyes. He looked completely mortified! Then, dad Scott, piped up and said, "Aaron, what do you say?" Aaron mumbled a disgruntled 'thank you'. "What else?" Scott prompted him. "I like it," Aaron said. It was hilarious!

Amelia and Aunt Kat. Kathleen's been living with us for a few months while she does a rotation for her final year of her Physical Therapy doctorate. Mia and Kat are best buds.

Amelia opens a pop-on doll set from Aunt Beth.

Charlie and Gramma Susan. He just can't get enough of Gramma. Here's an illustration: Charlie recently got into doing knock-knock jokes. But, lately, every time we try to get him to do a joke for someone, it goes something like this--

Charlie: "Knock, Knock"
"Who's There?"
Charlie with giggle: "Gramma Susan!"

The cousins "sharing"

Sweet Ryan boy showing off his cute hairline.

Shirt reads, "All mommy wants for Christmas is a silent night." Aint it the truth, poor Beth.

Amelia and Uncle Scott, still pals. Nobody hangs her upside-down like Uncle Scott can!

Papa and Ry Guy.