Christmas before Valentines

Holy Cow! Where did January go?

My goal is to document a little bit of our Christmas before Valentine's day starts knocking at our door. So here are a few highlights.

Disneyland

This year was magical for the kids. Everything from the fireworks, to the fake snow, to the parade and caramel apples. It was all perfect. Lucy loved the fireworks so intensely that she couldn't stop growling (which is how she shows excitement).

Visit with Santa and the Mrs.

"oh...you want a bike little boy?"

Lucy's face says it all.

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

13 kids + loads of candy = good times at our house!

watch for the blinking red light

Let me tell you how fun it is to take pictures of your own family...

on auto-timer

with kids that are only pacified by candy

with dad and brothers groaning about "just a couple more shots"

and mom stressed out about the family cooperating

all this while running back into position and trying to look as skinny as possible.

It's FUN!

Almost as fun as road trips when your kids have the flu

but not quite as fun as a P90x workout.

Ok. So, I'm being dramatic. I do that well. Everyone was mildly behaved, and we actually did it. Ahhhhhhh....

(p.s. If it had oodles of time I would show you all the out takes. they tell the real story.)

But for now, here is my family.

{cousins}

{mom & dad}

{grandkids - jack, lucy, carter}

{brother tallon}

{us looking so family photo-ish}

{brother brady & ashlin}

+

bun-in-the-oven

{brother garrett, mindy & carter}

And that's a wrap.

seek no further

I realize I am a little behind the curve with this post.  

Two weeks ago you would have been begging for some advice like this.  

Some direction for your Christmas shopping.

Well, seek no further.  

I am about to unveil....

 

Jay's 2009 Gift-giving Guide.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has been the master of gift giving.  He is always thinking of creative gifts.  

Here's the catch:  usually nothing over 3 dollars, mostly disguised as a children's toy, almost always unique and not always applicable.

So without further ado I bring you a slew of ideas for all your gift-giving needs in 2010!

(please keep in mind that NONE of these gifts were for the grandchildren)

Flip-Up Basketball Hoop

because what grown adult doesn't need one of these?

Eye Grow

you can choose your own sticker smiles

Double-brushed Toothbrush

it's like a carwash for your teeth.  cuts brushing time in half!

Mini Harmonica

for my not-so-mini 6'9" brother who used to drive us all crazy on family vacations buzzing on his harmonica

Gummy, Stretchy Body Parts

huh?

Grow a Degree/a Wife

for the scholar and single brother

His and Hers Anti Monkey Butt Powder

good thing sister-in-law mindy does not easily offend.

Blinking Reindeer Noses

i am sure corny family pictures were on the agenda with these gems

Feet Theme Gifts

you are really in trouble Christmas morning if my dad has thought of "theme" gifts for you.  my brother is a podiatrist.  so there you have it.

Each gift came finely wrapped with a clue written on the outside.  We were not allowed to open until we guessed what was inside.

I am still mad at myself for not being able to guess my grass growing eye plant.

How could I miss that?

Thanks Dad for another memorable Christmas.

And thanks Mom for a few "real" gifts.  phew.