The kiddos wrote notes to Santa on Christmas Eve. (Courtney Lee was at her moms.)
Notice how much better my five year-old's handwritting looks in comparison with my eleven year-old's? (Cole was in a hurry to play on the computer with Ross.)
And you wouldn't guess it from the note, but this kid gets 100% on his spelling tests week after week.
'Cokkies Cole? Really?
And then Josh Downs called to read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." (I posted a similar shot a few weeks back.)
And then it was bedtime.
And then it was Christmas morning.
Santa brought Ross some new boots.
And CD/radios for all the litte kids.
And the kids picked out a 2012 running calender for me. (My mom snagged that shot and I love it.)
Annie also got a new puppy (which unlike Shindand, came pre-trained).
My sister's dog was quick to show the 'new puppy' who the pack-leader was though.
Ross also got a new Sonicare toothbrush (because Santa is big on oral hygiene.)
Josh Downs sent Coley a hand-carved chess set from Afghanistan.
And a pair of hand-made shoes and some cute little stacking orange boxes for Annie.
And that was Christmas morning.
There's still more to share, but I'll have to get to that next week.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...'Operation...In Places' is in full force. (A little secret plan we're working on for when he gets home.)
Can I just confess that I always go straight to the end of the post to see what sweet note you send to Josh before reading the rest of the post? Hopefully he is coming home soon :)
Posted by: Amanda @ Click. The Good News | January 13, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Love the Sonicare TB's!!! Do you still clean your kids teeth? lol.
Posted by: kat-in-texas | January 13, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Love the photos! You do such a fantastic job coordinating all your colors, everything just flows! Can you come visit me in Texas and help me coordinate?! Love your little peanuts, they are all so precious:0)
Posted by: Melinda~ | January 13, 2012 at 08:59 AM
Those expressions are priceless! So cute. I LOVE the one of you and Annie, what a great moment!
Posted by: Melanie | January 13, 2012 at 10:27 AM
absolutely darling! You know we're counting the days until your sweet family is together right along with you, Karen. xoxo
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | January 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM
I can't wait to see Christmas 2012 pictures with all of you together again:-)
Posted by: Monica | January 13, 2012 at 11:50 AM
That does it! I'm painting my living room. It's a medium blue, to the camera, I might as well be at the bottom of a cave. I love how bright your Christmas photos are!
Posted by: Kelli | January 13, 2012 at 02:19 PM
yep,me too, Kelli. my LR is khaki. gonna be very light sand color when I paint it in the spring. Much brighter. Can't wait to se what "Operation...In Places" is all about. Love your photos, Karen -- as always. You just have a way of capturing the best expressions.
Posted by: Kim s. | January 14, 2012 at 07:42 AM