Monday, December 26, 2005

Christmas 2005


I had a tremendous Christmas as everything went very well. The last bits of shopping were done (a gift card, a tin of assorted popcorn and a container of mini brownies were taken care of my early on the 24th.) I actually felt like I could relax for a little bit and I did. I was smart enough this time to put my camera on top of my keys so I wouldn't forget to bring it. I wasn't so lucky on Christmas Eve. Anyhow, we had a big turnout with all but my aunt (she, her husband and daughters were at Christmas Eve) staying for the festivities. I didn't go absolutely crazy with the camera but took enough shots to capture specific moments. Ok, I really wanted to make sure that the kids got a few photos and maybe take a shot of the family here and there. So first up is the random family photo after the gifts were opened. Yes, we found room for ourselves somehow amidst the wrapping and boxes.

I messed with Olivia and Connor a little on Christmas Eve. You see, I found some little animal puppets at the store earlier that week. The little grey squirrel seemed almost realistic and I had a blast making it lick it's paws, nuzzle an arm or tickle a child. Dad played Santa Claus and stopped by a few houses to deliver a few gifts to some children with their jaws dropping as Santa remembers not only their names but a little bit about them. I really think that encapsulates the Christmas spirit to me. The wonder and amazement of they young. Sure, Connor is afraid of the man in the beard and ran right into his mother's arms crying but he warmed up to him this year, walking back towards the other kids and joining the conversation with Santa (for a little ribbing about hitting his Grandpa with a tennis ball.) No, that's not Aunt Queen Latifah in that photo but it is the twins and my mother.

Just as important was getting a picture of Beth and my niece Mia. You can never know how proud I am of my brother Matt. He's successful in every phase of his life (sure he's mentally ill like the rest of us, though.) He has married a wonderful woman and has a beautiful daughter. She hardly cries and loves being held. (I mean the baby. Ok, that could be a curse at some point... like bedtime.) She got a nap in here and there. But was and is absolutely precious.

Anyhow, I got to spend time in person and on the phone with my friends and family. I can't ask much more than that and am thankful for having the time off of work this year. I can only hope that each of you had a great holiday.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I had a nice holiday but I loved reading about yours..it made me smile.

Fred said...

Great pictures, Martin. Our celebration was great, too. Too many presents, but I say that every year. The Missus is so good at it, in fact, she went out yesterday and shopped for 2006. She's amazing.

Bar L. said...

Great pics, you can see the happiness in the faces of your family! Glad you had a good time and you are right, Mia is adorable.

I am at work commenting on blogs because I have NO WORK to do. I can't stand being bored!

LoraLoo said...

It sounds like you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. The pictures are great! Thanks for sharing your bit of holiday cheer with us. :)

Teri said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful holiday. You deserve it :)

Unknown said...

I agree with Teri.

Lucy Stern said...

Beth has such a beautiful smile. Glad you had a great Christmas and hope you have a Happy New Year.

Bar L. said...

Yes I have an iPod and a Sirius satelite radio. I can listen to both of them in the car, in my room, on the computer and of course can listen to the pod anywhere.

Now, if memory serves me correctly...weren't you going to get Sirius? What happened with that????