Christmas Recap

Christmas is a time of family, fellowship, fun, and FOOD!

I had several festive recipes pulled for the holiday weekend, especially with Zubie being in town.
She's one of those women who could teach cooking classes -- it's definitely one of her (many) gifts.
We were all helping in the kitchen at one point or another...

Aubrey has decided that the best way to not ruin her clothes while cooking is to simply not wear any.
And to think all these years I've been using aprons...

  

The whole No-Apron Policy is something that could have been brought to my attention yesterday, says Daniel.

 

After the candlelight service at church Christmas Eve, we dashed home just in time for Aubrey to write a special note to Santa, set out a plate of cookies (one red velvet crinkle cookie and one double chocolate chunk -- we're all about variety over here), and a mug of cold milk.

Now I don't care if you do or don't believe in Old St. Nick -- there's just something inexplicably magical about Christmas Eve...

Aubrey was pretty pleased to see all the goodies waiting for her under the tree...

 

Or perhaps "totally psyched" would be a better description...

And beware: if you look too good in the wee hours of the morn -- you better be prepared to have your head bitten off.

I won't tell you who is responsible for the chocolate decapitation, but let's just say you'll know her when you see her...

Gotta love a scraggly chaotic family photo on Christmas morning!

Amidst all the Santa hoopla and gifts, we didn't forget about the birth of Jesus!

After singing Happy Birthday Jesus!, gobbling down cupcakes, playing with new toys, cooking some more, and getting all showered and dressed -- it was nearly time for Christmas dinner!

We invited our neighbors and fellow residency friends over for the Christmas feast -- after spending Thanksgiving together we decided Christmas just wouldn't be the same without them!

Aubrey took the group pic above and then this one below of Zubie.

And not that the day wasn't entirely delicious, but the grande finale was absolutely scrumptious.
Key Lime and Raspberry Dessert and Chocolate Mousse Torte. Lord have mercy...

And forget the eggnog...I'll take a Reinbeer please! :)

'Twas a Merry Christmas indeed!