A Blessed Christmas

We felt very loved and blessed at Christmas this year. Friends, family, and unknown people (Santa?) showered us with more than we could have wished for. Thank you, thank you! The space under our tree overflowed, as did our hearts. (That cliché sounds so sappy, but it's true!)

On Christmas Eve we FINALLY finished getting Christmas decorations out and up. Tallis enjoyed helping decorate the trees before bedtime struck.



We ended up with three trees this year, two minis and one slightly larger, but perfect for our space. They've been so festive to have! Our decorations were just right for our space and our energy. We've enjoyed a holiday home these past couple of weeks.







As I've mentioned, Christmas started a little early for us this year, because we hosted the Chugach State Park holiday party. I got to walk away with an air popcorn popper from the gift exchange, which I'd been thinking about buying anyway! Score!



Then Aunt Laureen came over a couple days before Christmas with one of Tallis' favorite gifts, Lego-type blocks! Way to go, Laureen!



Another somewhat early gift that Tallis loved came from his Great Grandma Pat, who sent a Christmas story book and also included a red balloon in the envelope. That balloon lasted a full month, and has been one of the great toys of all time for Tallis. When little friends come over, they can't get enough of it. Tallis even goes so far as to hide it when other little guys come over, so that he can protect it from them. Ah, to be so simply satisfied. Here he is sharing his balloon joy with Collin, Ranger Tom's little boy.



Christmas morning brought puzzles and fire trucks and books and sketch pads and tractors and clothes and new shoes (and desparately needed new socks for Dad!) and bath toys and toy cars and gift cards. Wow!





Tallis was a champion gift retriever and opener - he was more interested in what was under the paper than the paper itself this year! But before we could quite reach the end of our bounteous pile of gifts, he was POOPED. He had to take a very dramatic and much-needed break from all the excitement and stimuli! All we could do was laugh and grab the camera, but all he could do was take a breather!





He did manage to recover his strength, though, to help me make cinnamon rolls later in the day. Whenever I get out a measuring cup or spoon, Tallis is RIGHT THERE to help - he loves being the baker's assistant. (Actually, sometimes I think that I am the baker's assistant and he's in charge!)



The cinnamon rolls supplied a large group of friends that came to our home the following day for a casual winter open house/post-Christmas party. It was wonderful to have a houseful of great people and love, all through the season.