Thank-mas

...is what Jeff's Dad calls our gathering during the holidays. Since we were in Seattle for Thanksgiving and they visit Joyce's Mom on Christmas, we do a combined celebration in between so there is no traffic, stress etc. It is a fabulous idea and we had an awesome weekend. Susan and I attempted to make Grandmother Whitfield's 12 layer cake. What a mess...but it tasted okay. Remind me a level oven helps with layers, don't take them out of the pan until cooled and frosting shouldn't run. Susan, you are a saint as always and I really had a blast!

We had a nice dinner and the boys opened their presents and totally got spoiled by Maw-maw and Paw-paw. Ethan just adores them and always asks if "Maw-maw and paw-paw come and see Ethan". He made everyone pictures since we are trying to teach him that Christmas is about giving and sharing. Some days go better on that front than others. We are also trying to teach him not to say "i want" or order us to do stuff and he has become quite creative in his approach. "You want to pick me up?" "You want to come sleep with Ethan" "How about 5 more minutes til night time?" My little negotiator. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day.

The finished product (sorry Grandmother W):



Maw Maw and Ethan making a stocking. It was so cool...she brought a craft to do with Ethan and he was so excited. They made a Christmas stocking. It is still hanging on our door knob and he was so proud to lace it and put on the cotton. Thanks, Maw Maw.





Paw Paw and the boys:



Reading the Gingerbread Man while Ethan holds his latest baby to add to his night time collection: