Christmas with the Kiefers

Christmas Day, the Kiefers came over for dinner. We had chicken/broccoli alfredo and all the fixings.

After dinner we opened gifts.
We gave Jonathan a gift cerrtificate to I-FLY so that he could have this high flying experience.
We gave Jackie the Wilton class...plus we got each of them a flashlight so now they can "ghost hunt"

The Kiefers gave Doug got a home-made beer carrier with his own logo.

I got a spa day with Jackie @ Spavia Day Spa in Plano.   http://www.spaviadayspa.com/location/west-plano-texas   She had scheduled our appointment on Saturday, December 26th. We would have a 3 hour appt. [Escape package]  This package included a Fijian warm-oiled scalp treatment, a 60-min hot stone massage, a vita C facial and a nutritious catered lunch.

We would come out of our appointment around 6pm to the sound of tornado sirens going off. Turns out there was a tornado less than 30 miles from where we were (Rowlett/Garland area) Jonathan had been calling (but our phones were in the spa locker) to check and make sure we were all okay.

Wilton Cake Class

As a part of Jackie's Christmas present, I had purchased a Wilton Cake Decorating class through the Michael's store in Lewisville. We attended the class on 2 consecutive Saturdays (Dec 19th & Dec 26th @ 10am - 1pm)  We were fortunate enough to be the only two in the class so we got (and needed) lots of 1:1 attention.Below are our finished cakes from our final class.  We will look forward to taking the next class in the near future.

Christmas Eve (Day & Night)

Christmas Eve it was just the two of us this year. It seemed kind of strange to not have anything going on. But we made do. We had a special breakfast. Doug had made Granny Murphy's raisin bread and he put a Christmas tree design in my coffee.

Christmas dinner was steak and potatoes.
The holly garnish is from our holly bush outside the kitchen window.

After dinner we opened gifts. Nothing fancy..just practical.

I got a step ladder, slippers, dish cloths, cookie sheets, steak knives, Michael Kors perfume & a cheese slate.

Doug got a photo album of our Amsterdam  trip, Gold Toe socks, self-healing cutting mat (for cutting his beer labels) a couple of CDs, new grates for his smoker and a new digital thermometer.

Christmas with the Elliotts

December 20th. We celebrated Christmas with the Elliotts.

Doug got a new shirt

 

I got a new wreath (made by Jill) and the cutest little MISTLETOES  (Andrew, Aurora, Caleb)

 

 I made homemade cards for their Disney gift cards.

Gingerbread House

Sunday, December 20th - I called to see if Andrew could come over and build a Gingerbread House with Mimi and Poppa. We had a great time and even built some Peanut Butter Cup Christmas trees to go along with our house.

Gingerbread House Kit - Target = $9.99 
Memories = Priceless

Poppa built the house and had to use some props from the kitchen
to actually prop it up while it dried.

The decorating has begun!

Andrew loved adding the candy/finishing details

He was always asking "How about here Poppa?"

There were some candy sampling along the way.

You can double click the gingerbread houses to see the detail larger

I think he likes it!

We made peanut butter cup Christmas trees while we were waiting for the gingerbread house to dry.

Andrew's 4th Birthday

Andrew turned 4 on December  20th but his LEGO themed birthday party was held on

Saturday, December 12th. Here are a few photos of this special day.

 There was a Lego shaped cake, Lego games and a Lego table for putting Legos together.

We chipped in on getting Andrew a swing-set for the backyard.
Doug and Josh had put it together the weekend I was in Minnesota.

On his actual birthday his parents got him Birthday Donuts. This kid loves donuts!

      

Trip to Minnesota

I flew to Minnesota after work on Friday, Dec 4th. The Swanson family picked me up at the airport and we were off to Davanni's for dinner.  (Oh, how I love me some Davanni's)
When we got home the girls opened their Christmas gifts from Aunt Dee and Uncle Doug.

 

Saturday, December 5th. The girls and I made some gingerbread men and decorated them while Jen was doing a photo shoot. Garry, Maria and Bradley came for dinner. It was great to see my brother and nephew. It's been a while! Plus I got to meet Maria for the first time. It's been a while since our Fonda Community High School cheer-leading days.

Sunday, December 6th we hung around the house and played games.

Monday, December 7th. I took Monday off from work and Jen, Allie and I went to the Mall of America so Allie could see Santa.  It was great to see all of the expansion at MOA. We enjoyed a nice lunch and then did some outlet shopping for my little niece.

Tuesday, December 8th. I worked from Jen's house. When Jen got home from work..we grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading out to Makayla's school for her Christmas Band concert. She has only been playing the clarinet for a few weeks..but most of the songs were recognizable. The band director is to be complimented!!

Wednesday, December 9th. I went with Jenny to work and I shared her office and was able to get quite a bit of work done before going to the airport for my return flight home.

It was a great visit. It was fun to be part of the "Tiny Tim" Elf on the Shelf fun each night.
The girls were very entertaining and I hated to leave!

New front door

Doug and I had ordered a new door in October and it was to be put in prior to Thanksgiving, but that would be delayed due to the significant rains experienced in the Dallas area.

The installer was able to come out and install the door today.
What do you think?

Exterior View

Interior View