Christmas morning

Sydney tried to get us up at 3:30, oh yes but I talked her into snuggling til 5:30!

Griffin emptying his stocking

golf club pen Sydney bought for Bill

movies from Grammie and Grandpa

fireman Griffin!

Sydney making badges, very fun

dino puzzle

 a few videos

 

 

Our Christmas was wonderful, we hope yours was too!

Christmas Eve

Since the kids were dressed up for church I tried to get a few pictures ....

a bit cheesy

so Griffin

sweet girl

Bill and I toasty to a wonderful Christmas

Bill being well Bill

My girl and I

silly man

kids sprinkling reindeer food (Griffin still has his tag from the church nursery on his back)

ready to open a Christmas eve gift

new Christmas pjs

sleeping together in sissy's bed

 

great times as a family

Snack Necklaces

My sister Ashley, told me about making these necklaces with my niece and I thought it was such a neat idea.   I gave the kids fruit loops, pretzels (true confession I had bought chocolate covered pretzels but ate them one night before this project) and gummy life savers, plus yarn.

They threaded the snacks on the yarn.

Griffin needed a bit of help.

Then we took a few pictures and watched a movie, eating our snacks off the yarn.  So fun and good fine motor skill practice.

Griffin Singing

 

He just melts my heart, I love his little voice and I love that he sings while he plays. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Griffin and daddy

Bill and Griffin have a special bond.  I guess it is the typical little boy and dad bond but to me it seems so special.  There are things that only daddy does, that even if I try I cannot seem to do the right way.  Special versions of songs, ways to snuggle and play.  I love hearing Griffin say that he wants his dad.  I love seeing my boys snuggled together watching tv or playing legos. 

Deluxe Sugar Cookies and Frosting

We love to make sugar cookies for various holiday and the kids (and adults) enjoy decorating.  I use Betty Crocker's deluxe sugar cookie recipe.

1 cup butter softened
1.5 cups confectioner's sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar

Mix thoroughly butter, confectioners sugar, egg, vanilla and almond extract.  Blend in flour, soda and cream of tartar,  Cover and chill 2-3 hours.  Heat over to 375, divide dough in half.  Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.  Cut into desired shapes, place on lightly greased baking sheet (I use a pampered chef stone).  Bake 7-8 minutes or until lightly golden on edges.  Makes about 5 dozen 2-2.5 in cookies.


Cream cheese frosting

3 ounces cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt
2.5 cups confectioner's sugar

Blend cream cheese, milk, vanilla and salt, add sugar and blend until smooth.  If necessary add 1 tsp of milk at a time to get the right consistency for spreading on cookies.