Christmas 2009, Get Comfortable, This is a Long One

This is what Sam was doing when I first put up the Christmas tree. He loved the lights. The first thing we had to do EVERY morning was turn on all the Christmas lights. Sam would run from room to room and make us plug in the lights then he would gasp and point and act surprised for EVERY light, EVERY morning. I will miss that when we put all the Christmas stuff away.
Lucy and I are now in our 2nd year of the Nutcracker tradition

The annual gingerbread competition at Nana's house. Josh and Jake made a Yankees house in honor of the Yankees winning their 27th World Series that year. They won the "Best Overall" award.

Lucy and I did a double-decker princess castle. We won "Best Design".
Josh's house was a bombed out WWII building. He won "Most Creative".
Here we are at the Droubay Family Christmas Party. Josh got Moon Shoes from Grandma and Grandpa Droubay.
So did Jakers.
Lucy got a Princess and the Frog art set.
School Christmas program. Lucy is on the top row. She was soooo excited for her first Elementary school program.
Josh and his good friend Brayden.
Jake in all of his embarrassment. He hates performing. He was nervous and sick all morning and almost didn't make it to school. He refused to do any of the actions because they were "too embarrassing".
Here is Sammy sitting patiently waiting for the program to start. Such a good boy!
Lucy couldn't believe that Santa brought her another American Girl doll. Mommy told her she would probably have to wait until her birthday.
Opening presents at Nana's house on Christmas morning. Nana made the granddaughters aprons to wear when they come over to help with Sunday dinner.
Jake and Josh both got a remote controlled helicopter and a DS game.

Lucy got Littlest Pet Shop toys.
Sam got a Mater truck to ride on. It was by FAR his favorite gift!
Christmas morning.



Here is our first attempt at the Nativity with all the Holland grandkids. With 6 kids under the age of 2, you can imagine how it went. We barely got the costumes on the kids (tantrums and all--they WERE going to wear those costumes!), and that was about it.
Ethan and Ben as angels.
Jake was Joseph
Jack as a shepherd. He was not happy.
My little shepherd--not too happy either. This head thing only lasted as long as it took to click this picture.