Alex was apparently feeling unusually photogenic today. Maybe it was because of the coal in his stocking, but these are actually some really good pictures of him.

More Christmas presents.

Christmas presents!

Guess Santa decided we were good this year.

Hanging up stockings. Even Meppy got one this year.

Shannon and I both have been sick on and off so we decided to open some presents on Christmas Eve, just to keep Christmas from being too overwhelming. So Shannon chose Aunt Sarah's presents. Here are just a few peeks at her.

Shannon really, really wanted to use "granny smith apple green" in the kitchen. I disagreed, so we compromised and painted our bathroom that color. Now we are just waiting on a new rug (equally bright, going into the bathroom really wakes a person up).

After previous year's debacles with gingerbread houses I finally signed Shannon up for a class on how to make them. I didn't read the fine print though and discovered that I had to stay and help her. Luckily for us, it turned out much better this year.

Decorating the Christmas tree, complete with Alex's rival.