Cactus Garden 2012

We made it to the Cactus Garden at Ethel M this year, albeit after Christmas. But that just meant I could use my new iPhone to take pics instead of lugging around my big camera. However, it seems I could use some tips. If you have any feel free to share!

Me with freaky eyed children:



We didn't go last year and I had forgotten how great it is. So many lights to see:



2 of my favorite people:



And 2 more of my favorites:



Self-portrait attempts:



I had even forgotten you get a piece of chocolate after completing the tour! The kids chose dark chocolate, while Eric and I opted for white:



I was so excited to go down that way because I needed to go to Hobby Lobby, only to arrive at Hobby Lobby at 7:50 p.m. to discover they close at 8! Bitter disappointment.

Gingerbreading

We ended up having quite a bit of gingerbread making happening around these parts. First Jackson made this  MASTERPIECE at Scouts:

Then Sadie made this TREASURE at pre-school:




The kids all then decorated this GEM of a gingerbread man (or woman) that a friend gave us:



As I was feeling guilt that we did not decorate a house as a family this year, I snatched up this house on clearance after Christmas while shopping at Home Depot:



The completed gingermatic Home Depot House WONDER:


 

The Adventures of Max Elfis

Max Elfis had some grand plans this year, but with Eric traveling so much and me so busy, I think he realized that a simpler approach had to be in store. A few samplings of his adventures this December:

Candy cane decorating:



Underwear hot-air ballooning:




Making sure the fireplace is ok for Santa:



One night he even brought the ENTIRE SMURF COLLECTION from the North Pole. This one thrilled me to the bone, as I love the Smurfs. No one else was duly impressed:



It's always somewhat sad to say goodbye on Christmas Eve. A year is a long time to be separated!

Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Day!!!

As per usual we started off Christmas morning by opening up our stockings and then by having a big breakfast:



After eating it was time to get down to business!

The kids in front of the tree:



Tucker got to go first. We were hoping all of his new toys would help to distract him for the rest of present opening. It worked! For about 15 minutes.



Sade had a blast and LOVED every single thing she was gifted:




She received lots of princess stuff, kitchen stuff, a Baby Alive (something she really, really wanted) clothes, shoes, and numerous other toys that she adored.

Jackson seriously scored, receiving I am pretty sure everything on his list. Lucky boy!




A 3 DS (his most wanted item), numerous video games, books and Hotwheels cars, a scooter, Leatherman, clothes (which he probably cared little about), plus numerous other toys that he enjoyed.

Megan received lots of clothes, shoes, gift cards and jewelry this year:



Then we surprised her with her first iPhone! She hadn't expected one or even asked for one, so it was a true surprise for her:



Eric received clothes, books, a new phone, geocaching supplies, and of course Seahawks merchandise including a new Seahawks hardhat and tailgate cover:



I received clothes, shoes, jewelry, kitchen items, gift cards, AND finally entered the 21st century and received my first smart phone! The iPhone 5:



We spent the afternoon breaking into packaging, charging electronics, and playing with our new toys.

Late afternoon we finally pulled ourselves together and headed over to the Bairds house for a gourmet Christmas dinner, movie, and games.



We had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope you all did too!