banjo bandida: We had ourselves a Merry Little Christmas.

I had a wonderful Christmas. I love, love, love Christmastime. I get caught up in the trees and the lights, giving gifts, listening to Christmas music and baking of course. Celebrating Jesus and spending time with family are two of my favorite things and during this time of year they are wrapped up into one beautifully fun holiday.

Jeff had several days off from work which was such a treat. We were all glad to have him home with us for a few days. Benjamin was a hoot with his excitement over the stockings and decorations. He fell in love with the lights on a house down the street. They were flashing stars so I named them Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Every day, several times a day, Ben would ask about "Ginkle Ginkle Yittle Star". He was totally captivated by them. If we went to get the mail he had to go with us so he could see them. If we were driving home we had to go by slowly. Once we got out of the car he had to say night night to them. It was pretty darn cute. Watching Ben open presents this year was a real hoot too. He was tickled by the process and enjoyed every last thing he received from his train tracks to his individual size box of Goldfish crackers. And of course this was Ellie's first Christmas. I'm not sure why that makes the day seem so special, but it does. Maybe it's the cute little outfits and the first gifts, or maybe it's just that I remember that I have been blessed by a sweet little baby during the past year.

This year we had a visit from Jeff's folks as well as my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. It was really fun to have a full house and to watch Benjamin entertain them all.

Here are a few pictures from the Christmas season.