Christmas 2014
(yes, I know it's already February)
After Thanksgiving
After Della's (early) Birthday
We decorated for Christmas
Porter Kid-Proof Style
... and a fairy princess helped!
Sorting ornaments ... kid proof ... not kid proof
Decorating our $15 artificial tree staged off-the floor in the hopes it survives the Holiday
Most of this year's decorations were staged on-high
There was much enthusiasm for holiday decorating resulting in a very rare occurrence
... mid-day napping on the couch ...
(these kids NEVER nap in public)
On Christmas Eve we allowed Della and Huck to open a family gift
from Auntie Ellen and Uncle Pat
Della received a thoughtful book with matching character puppy and magic wand
Huck received bathtub worthy rubber duckies and a tug boat
As it is with siblings ... Huck wanted Della's gifts ... and Della wouldn't share
We then opened a box from my Aunt Arlene which was filled with many Christmas themed gifts
The large assortment of soft books were a big hit.
Auntie Ellen ... you'll be pleased to know that Biscuit spends his nights in Della's bed.
Our Christmas Eve fire crew
In little boy fashion Huck is fascinated by the fire and forces his way past Stark
to offer his assistance whenever a fire is in the making.
(tremendous screeching and foot stomping occurs if he isn't allowed to help)
Christmas morning before the ... rush?
There wasn't a mad rush of eager kids
we had to wake them up and remind them that it was Christmas!
Mr. Sleepy ... he hasn't noticed the wall of presents yet.
Oh! There they are!
The bouncy balls were a big hit!
At which point Nana showed up to play
Daddy finally managed to convince Della to get out of bed!
This is the moment she realized there were presents!
Huck is still infatuated with the larger rubber ball
Isn't it always the case that the most inexpensive gift captures the most attention!
Learning how to bounce ...
... requires a demonstration from daddy.
Finally ... on to the rest of the presents
Duplos! Just what she'd asked Santa for!
What do you buy a 1 year old boy ... Trucks!
Christmas bows
Boxes and Balls
Bear Feet
Pirate Swords (super soft and light)...
which had to be put away so Huck wouldn't eat them
teething baby!
Gifts for Nana
I love Della's patient posing while she waits for Nana to unwrap the gift
(ps ~ it was a picture of the Porter family)
Truck intermission
< And other Christmas Moments >
The aftermath
Traditional Torture
Left over wrapping paper that mama didn't like
The remains of a stocking-stuffed box of Band-aids
The new home of the Band-aids
cheap entertainment
tuckered out
And just like that ... Christmas 2014 was over
and we were stuck at home for 3 days with 2 young, active, and very bored kids
Christmas 2014 - Part 2
