Men at Work

The holidays aren't all about play, and even though the boys outnumbered the girls - they still chipped in to help!  Troy received some domestic training from his Papa, Daddy and cousin.  Way to go boys!!

Troy and Papa checking on supper

Jude drying the dishes...and not a single one broken!

Papa, Daddy and Troy doing the (never-ending) laundry

Brrrrrrrrrrrr

What do you do when it's -20 outside?  Stay inside!!  Good thing there were lots of new toys and willing snugglers around.

There was more than a 40 degree difference between inside and out!

The view from Gramma and Papa's kitchen...crisp and clear

Only General found it warm enough to relax outside

Troy with his new crawl ball

Snuggling with Auntie C

Jude and Simon building Lego

Papa showing me outside, from the warm indoors

Basking in the sunshine with Daddy

Giggling at a game of rock, scissors, paper (had to be there!)

recovering from more eating

Gramma is an awesome snuggler!

Christmas morning

Christmas morning was full of excitement.  Santa had indeed stopped by!  The stockings were full and and presents left under the tree. There is nothing more fun than watching the magic of Christmas through the eyes of children - and Carolyn's homemade baileys in our coffee :).

Stockings full of goodies

Mommy helping Troy with his stocking

Jude with his new sled

Jude helping Troy open his present

Troy trying out Jude's sled

Jude's grin says it all!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started with going to Mass.  First, a few family photos while we were dressed up.  After church, we all helped prepare the "meatless" meal of noodles...covered in poppyseed or cottage cheese (yes, it tastes far better than it sounds!).  Followed by tubby time and getting outfitted in the new pajamas Gramma sewed.  Then, all we had to do was wait for Santa (and for Troy to fall asleep!)

Our first "family" Christmas

Gramma and Papa with Troy and Jude

Gramma and Papa with grandchild #7

Rolling out the noodle dough

Carolyn helping dad grind the poppyseed

Jude helping Gramma

Dad using his drill to turn the grinder!

Even Troy stopped by (undressed for tubby time) to supervise 

That is a cool toy Gramma

all done!

noodles

Troy all bathed

Jude playing with Troy before bedtime

Gramma sewed Troy and Jude matching pajamas...and furry trapper hats!

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...except Troy!

Is Santa here yet Daddy?

Festive Family Feast

My family celebrates holidays with fun...and food!  We feasted on the Sunday before Christmas.  The day started with a Hungarian strudel (yes...it's like dessert for breakfast!).  Then, it was turkey and all the trimmings.  And, of course, my mom's delicious baking for dessert.

Mom with the "retach" Hungarian strudel

Troy admiring his big cousin Kyle

Mom's "bird" tree

Time for gifts too

Auntie Patty and Troy

Jude handing out gifts

The wrapping was Troy's favorite part of the presents

Gathered around the dinner table

Enjoying the food and company

Troy was the only one who managed to get away with taking off his pants and sticking out his big belly (even though we all felt like it too)! 

Yummy baking.

A kiss from the cook

Gramma sure knows how to put on a Christmas feast!!

Papa's favorite trick

You may remember (from a few posts ago) that my Dad has a family tradition...holding up babies with one hand!  This Christmas, it was Troy's turn...

Hanging out with Papa

Hey, Papa...what are you doing??

Hmmm...I think I might like this?

Steady...

and...I'm doing it, I'm doing it!!!!

Papa still has the touch (or rather grip)...after 42 years!