Holiday Unwrap

We've been busy getting our merry and bright on this Christmas, but I wanted to share some of the highlights now that we're finally back home (with all our decorations stowed carefully away until next year). This year we once again made our customary pilgrimage to our hometown to celebrate with our families. Conveniently, both sets of parents live about five minutes apart, so it makes it easy to spend lots of quality time with all parties involved.

Holiday cheer - "sweetened" egg nog.

The holiday feast awaits!

Once again we celebrated with my family on Christmas Eve. This tradition involves a feast of Swedish meatballs and Italian stuffed shells. We take in a candlelight service - this one happened to be led by my dad and involved an outdoor candlelight procession and singing Silent Night under the stars - beautiful. We open presents, although Violet's turn came before dinner as our merriment lasted well past bedtime.

Matt and my brother Lukas, agonizing over their fantasy football choices.

Violet phones it in.

Opening presents with Mimi.

Danielle with her gift card wreath - love this well-executed idea!

Bowling with my cousin Olivia, all the way from Sweden!

Christmas morning we were off to Matt's parent's house, where his brothers and the rest of the family was waiting. The other thing that was waiting - Violet's gift from Santa - a new tricycle! She loved it just as much as I hoped she would. She also had fun helping everyone else open their gifts. There was a nice mix of practical (clothes) and fun (a little keyboard shaped like a cat that makes meowing noises along with the traditional piano sounds... gee, thanks!) Although I'm seriously considering next year instituting the four gift rule I've been reading about lately - something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. Our Christmases are just an embarrassment of riches.

This is what we get if we ask Violet to close her eyes.

Silly times with cousin Brooke and Grandma.

Say "cheese!"

Checking out Grandma's new calendar starring Violet.

Violet explains the finer points of the Royal Wedding to her grandpa.