Let It Snow!

We got a white Christmas...and then some! The winter storm may have foiled our cross-state travel plans, but we didn't really mind. We got to play in the snow! We made snow angels and (tiny) snowmen...and we got to go sledding! Just look at those smiles!

That's Silly!

The Kneen family is always good for some laughs...and this year was no exception. We had a great time celebrating, singing along to Christmas carols, and exchanging silly, little gifts. Check out the Kneen schnoz!

 

Snow! Stockings! Presents!

I think that Olivia (that beloved storybook pig) summed up our Christmas pretty well. We had a nice blanket of snow on the ground, stockings bursting with fun, little trinkets at the ends of our beds, and a wonderland of presents stacked under the tree. We also had a nice little birthday celebration for Mom before the mass pandemonium ensued. Just like every year, Christmas morning was a whirlwind, but we managed to work in a little down time and make the magic last til noon. Then it was time for cotton candy treats, light saber battles, and sleep outs in the castle tent. Fun, fun, fun!

We Clean Up Real Nice

We all put on our holiday best for Christmas Eve Mass...and we even got a few good pictures for all of our effort! The kids behaved fairly well at church, despite an overly enthusiastic rendition of "Gloria" (why was no one surprised?) and a short string of outbursts from Jack ("He talkin' bout Rudolph!" "That one Jesus, too, Gramma?!")

It's Beginning to Feel Like...Christmas Came!

The extended Hartings family gathered early to celebrate Christmas this year. With bellies full of turkey, the guys went out in the freezing cold to hang lights while the ladies watched Lifetime holiday movies and helped the kids hang ornaments on the tree. Later, the pile of presents under the tree put Santa to shame. There were plenty of "oohs" and "aahs" as the kids opened toys related to all their favorite shows and movies--Star Wars, Brave and Doc McStuffins. Unfortunately, the line that will live on was uttered by Kaitlyn two minutes into opening: "I finally got a present I really like!" Was it doctor Barbie or her suede boots? I can't recall, but I know that her sour expression didn't last long in the face of our family's generosity! Thank you, thank you, thank you for a fabulously fun celebration.