Christmas Goodies

We celebrated Christmas a few different times with our family. Craig and I hosted the annual Edwards' family Christmas Dinner, which entailed an evening of good food, fun family games, lots of laughter and a cookie contest. After dinner was cleaned up the men sat down at a table and judged 5 different cookies. They had to rate each cookie on a scale of 1-10 for taste, texture and overall score. I am proud to say that my entry won! It was fun to see the men really concentrate as they took a bite into each cookie. They took this contest very serious - it was almost comical to watch.

Caleb joined in on the fun too! He said that one of the cookies had worms in it . . . which evoked lots of laughter.

On Christmas Eve we went to my sisters' house to be with her family and my parents. The kids had a blast playing, as always and they even got to open a few gifts from each other.

My parents loved the picture of all of their grandchildren sitting on the bench eating popsicles.

On Christmas morning it was just the four of us. We do this every Christmas and it's nice for us to take our time as a family, enjoy the moments and reiterate to our children why we give them gifts on Christmas. We do not do "Santa" which Caleb understands this year. He has eagerly told people that santa does not come to his house but that his mommy and daddy give him gifts because they love him and celebrate Jesus' birthday. It's interesting to hear his thoughts as they come out - which gives us great insight into his heart and mind. Lydia hears us talk but I'm not sure how much she understands. I'm sure the conversations will get more in depth as they get older, which is a great opportunity to share WHY we do certain things in our family.

The theme for Caleb was Spider-Man and for Lydia it was baby dolls.

Caleb is really into to playing Policeman so this gift was a hit!

Lydia was eager to try out her big brother's bicycle. She didn't know that she was getting a bike too - from Gram and Gramps.

I got Craig a sweatshirt with our logo monogrammed on it - I think it was the only thing that was a surprise. He figured everything else out.

Mom and Dad, (Gram and Gramps) came that afternoon to enjoy some time with us. We went in with Craig's brother and his wife on a gift for them. What do you get someone who has everything they need/want? PICTURES of their grandchildren! So, Todd and Ginger sent us a disc of images of their little girl, Grace and we made them a book and a calendar full of pictures of their grandchildren. Did they love it? Oh yes, and there were tears of joy streaming down moms' face! I think we scored and we know what to do from here on out:)

Gramps, you are under arrest!

And now for the grand finale! Gram and Gramps got Caleb a real drum set - yes, that's right - a REAL drum set. For those of you who do not know, Caleb has some real natural talent when it comes to drumming. I know, every mom thinks their kid can do something special. We have had neighbors come over to hear Caleb play the drums because they can't believe the natural beat and rhythm. Needless to say: HE LOVED THEM! Just so you know, they are staying in the garage and he can practice to his hearts' content.

Watch out world! His face says it all.

I hope your Christmas was as good as ours. Happy New Year!