Deck the Halls

 It was wonderful to have Suzanne spend Thanksgiving weekend with us.  We had a great time decking the halls with boughs of holly together.  She helped us pick out our Christmas tree and set up all the holiday decor. 

 We went to GardenRidge and each picked out an ornament that best described our 2011 year.  Daddy got a football ornament, McKay a golden glittery bass instrument, Lauren - a shimmery high heel, Emma a deer, Savannah, a gingerbread house, Savannah- a baby deer and Matthew a stretchy reindeer.  I chose a musical note instrument.  We also chose a Texas ornament to remember our time in the Great State of Texas.

 We were really excited to decorate the tree while Matthew was napping.  We couldn't wait to see his expression when he saw it all lit up for the first time.  I'm sad to say, he burst out screaming when he first laid his eyes on it.  I think he was still a little sleepy, and the thought of having a big tree in our house was more than he could take. 

 A little later we had hot chocolate on the back porch and the children were playing games with Daddy and Suzanne.  I was putting away decorations in the closet when I saw the tub with the Santa suit.  I just couldn't resist.  I slipped it on without telling anyone, and snuck out the garage.  When I rang the doorbell Russ was sure it was a church member stopping by.  He told the kids to go to the door and then I jumped in with a hearty Ho Ho Ho.  The older kids immediately knew what I was up to, and got a good laugh, but Savannah was terrorized.  She clung onto Suzanne and cried with a terror I have never before seen.  I immediately took off my beard so she would know it was me.  That scared her even more, to think Santa had somehow morphed into her mom and was taking over her body.  She finally calmed down and realized all was well.  We had fun singing "I saw Daddy kissing Santa Clause" and a few other Santa favorites. 

 It's fun to have our traditional family picture in front of the tree.  I always smile to see the same dresses passed down to the next child.  I think McKay has worn that sweater vest for 4 Christmases, he's probably about due for a larger one. 

Merry Christmas, from our silly happy family to yours.