We Wish You A Merry Christmas (and a Happy New Year)

We would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! It was a Merry Christmas around here, indeed! Since it has taken me nearly a week to finally post these pictures, I thought I would send New Year's wishes too (two birds, one stone).

We were all full of Christmas spirit. Annah had been diligently hanging an ornament on our advent tree calender every day...waiting (not so patiently at times) to put the final angel on top. She was so excited. It was nice that this was just her job (Liam did not get a turn this year, though he did help himself to taking ornaments off the advent tree on a number of occasions). Annah spent most of the day Christmas Eve dancing and singing (by singing, I really mean more like screeching--poor child got my singing voice) "It is Jesus' birthday!" and "Santa is coming!" One day the week of Christmas, she told me "You know, I know there's no naughty list. Santa brings presents to everyone." I told her that there most definitely was a naughty list and she said, "that makes me feel like I might cry. I promise I have been very good, except with my brother 'cause sometimes I just can't resist!" No real reason to worry--Santa came and was very generous with the two cutest babies I know!

Annah with her advent tree

Christmas around here has several rounds of present opening. My parents come over Christmas Eve to do presents from them (they also come back to see what Santa brought the next morning). Annah and Liam were READY to start opening some presents!
Annah and the first present for this year

My little drummer boy

It was not the Night Before Christmas but it was still cute to see Liam and Grandaddy reading in the rocking chair

and then...SANTA CAME!!!!!!

It looks like she's saying "all this, for me?!"

she looks so big to me up on that bike

Liam and I had to give his new plasma car a test run (I have to admit I have as much fun on these things as the kids)

Santa brought Liam a train table. Do you see Liam in this picture? Yeah, me either!

I love this picture!




Then it was time for round 3 at the Shupings...

I am a firm believer that kids should stay in their jammies all day on Christmas Day

Liam got his very own golf cart...

...do you think he was excited?!

they both got "big" chairs



Finally, the sad truth--our poor children got nothing for Christmas

Kidding, obviously!

Even sadder is in this picture, you can't see the pottery barn chairs, the golf cart, or the big rocking horse (Liam's) and baby crib and high chair (Annah)! Guess they'll just have to hope for some presents next year!