Away In a Manger

Why is Claire bear so smiley and full of joy? Is it because its Christmas? It it because I was in town? Or was it because the Winmill's were having a huge TALENT SHOW??? These talents spread wide and far, including classic elements like beautiful violin playing. Being able to roll your stomach in and out really fast, while at the same time laughing your head off. How about singing R&B hits and doing appropriate arm waving and dancing? Let's not forget punching and ninja skills by true masters. Speaking of masters - a Master Yoga instructor shows us all how it is done. Ben dances to angelic singing from Claire in the background. This whole competition made my season merry and bright. I performed my role as the Grinch for the family. I was both mocked and applauded for my thesbianism. Finally, awards were handed out. I couldn't believe that I had won one! An honor! Hmmm, a lemon. I guess when you throw together an adhoc talent competition, then you get adhoc prizes!Pre-Christmas activity wasn't all about shows, talents and dress up. Sometimes we just kicked it live together and let the cousins have some fun. Max and will found a big box and turned it in to the best 20 minutes of their lives.Wait, where did those boys go?OH THERE THEY ARE! Peek-a-boo at its finest.I mostly did what I do best - cleaned while looking hot and irresistibly sexy in the kitchen.Papa introduced the boys to their new favorite thing in the whole world - the Nighty Night book on the iPad. Max asks for "Old McDonald Had a Farm" or "Nighty Night" (which are the same thing) every single day now.On Christmas Eve we did a reenactment of the nativity. Claire did an amazing job coming up with a script and leading us through the evening. She really is super clever.Our little shepherds occasionally got distracted by presents under the tree and an intense desire to open them.This was one grumpy angel, despite her tidings of good joy.Carols were sung and the story was told of our Savior, Jesus Christ. How can you not love children putting together a nativity story?And how could you not love a four-year-old baby Jesus? Ben insisted on playing Jesus and there was no changing it. We had a great time being his parents.Christmas even pajamas were given to prepare everyone for the excitement of the next morning. But what would Santa eat?Christmas cookies!!! Galore! Everyone gathered around to frost hundreds of cookies!Well, first we had to do one Nighty Night with Max. Man he loves that interactive book.And then we were there with the cookies. Max did more eating than frosting, I'll be honest.Which may or may not have led to the following moments of extreme craziness and explosion of energy. Max laughed his brains out trying to steal my camera away from me as I took his pictures, leading to some classy images.So cute.

Next up - Christmas day and beyond!!!

A Modern Day Outrage

Do you ever question the quality and sanitary standards of the Keebler Elf factory? I mean, first of all, it's all happening in a gutted out tree. Second, and you've all seen the commercials, those elves are not wearing gloves while they handle those cookies covered in chocolate. Third, I believe I saw a few elves who were definitely too young to be working - and occasionally you'll see one fall in a vat of chocolate.

Honestly, it looks like The Jungle, and I just don't know if I can support them any more.

Kooks and their Cookies

Back to holiday reporting! While Caitlin went to the gym on Christmas Eve, I worked it hard by starting to make a billion sugar cookies. Clearly, I have my priorities straight. I'll be snookered if a Christmas goes by that I don't get fat on classic family sugar cookies.

Ah yes. Baked and ready to go.

Then we packed up the van (thanks Wards!) and headed to Orange for a little brunch action. We ordered the frushi (fruit sushi) to give it a whirl...it was okay. They should stick to what they do best - which is artery clogging breakfast foods.

The padres patiently await the food goodness. Please note that I have become increasingly unpopular with my family now that I have my new camera. No one wants to look me in the face for fun pictures.

Max is always game for a shot though. We played trivial pursuit while we waited for our food and Lynn and Jeff (brother-in-law Jeff) showed their mental prowess by smoking me in every single questions - over and over and over again.

But it was cool because then I showed them my stomach prowess by consuming four stacks of pancakes covered in different sugary goodnesses. This included egg nog cream, white chocolate with peppermint and Caramel glaze.

The food is so good. Judes had eggs benedict with pesto.

Then we packed up and went over to the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park (MSI). This is a gigantic submarine indoors. This was probably my favorite part of the museum, learning about this monster.

Lynn, who is a war junky, loved it as well. Jeff and Lynn practiced their submarine controlling skills and proved relatively good.

Cute.

MSI has funny mirrors! I like Caitlin's pregnant belly in this funny mirror, as well as my legs.

They had cities made of Lego's as well, which was impressive. My favorite was a Frank Lloyd Wright house made out of Lego's. Very detailed, with waterfall and everything.

MSI is known for their impressive Christmas display each year. They have like 60 Christmas trees decorated from around the world. This was the Japanese one, which was my favorite.

More gigantic things indoors!

Caitlin, do you choo choo choose me to be your husband?

And who can resist a chick hatchery? I can't. No I can't. I made the family go through the entire genetics section so I could look at the cute chicks.

Evil ghosts Caitlin and Judes. They glow in evil blueness!

Then we went home and cooked Christmas Eve dinner! We had shrimp with brussel sprouts, garlic potatoes and other goodness. It was an amazing dinner and the shrimp was divine. Not the chipotle sauce that Lynn likes to put on all meals. We made sure we had some to suit his needs.

Our finalized stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

We talked to Caitlin's sister Kristin and family that live in Singapore. It was Christmas morning in Singapore, so we new Santa had at least made it half way around the world and would be heading to the US soon enough.

Then it was cookie frosting time! Look how much fun they're having!

I demonstrate how amazing a classic Christmas cookie can be when done right. (as a quick report, I have now eaten about 30-40 of these cookies myself in like 3 days. Christmas report starts soon - unless interrupted by Max! Please interrupt it Max!