Fancy Feast 2012

Fancy Christmas Eve dinner 2012 was a different evening due to the fact that Karina was not with us.  We still had a great time, but with the kids so little it had a much different feel.  We put on our Sunday best and let the feast begin. 

  Bruce was ready to eat.  We started this tradition so we could teach our kids how to behave at a nice dinner so that by the time they went to a nice restaurant on a date they would know how to act. 

Lucy didn't dress up, but she was still ready for our fancy evening.

   Alan poured the bubbly and we got started. 

First course was deviled eggs.  I know it is not an exotic appetizer, but we really like them. 

Second course was a Cesar salad with homemade croutons.

We had some extra Jello so that was a "hidden" course.

 Bruce then decided that he was tired and ready for a nap. 

 

 We then had our third course which was pumpkin bisque soup.  It was yummy.

  

 Our main course was green beans, Parker house rolls, and Cornish hens.

For dessert I made a homemade cheesecake with raspberry sauce. 

Bruce like dessert best and ate all of it. 

Dinner was a success.  I am excited to plan our meal for next year.  Alan and I both enjoy doing this for our family, but we do not enjoy the cleanup.  We dirtied almost everything and we were up late cleaning and playing Santa. 

Gingerbread Houses

We made gingerbread houses on Sunday night but instead of using gingerbread, we used foam kits I got from Oriental Trading Company. 

 

Karina was very excited about this activity. 

 Lucy sat in her highchair and observed the whole process.

They turned out really cute and the kids had a great time.   

 

 

Lucy had fun too.   

Kids really to make the holidays more fun.  It is fun to see them light up and enjoy the spirit of the Christmas season.  

Ugly Sweaters 2012

We had our Ugly Sweater Party last Saturday.  I thought the party goers did a great job this year... 

 Brittney's hair was looking very large!

 Jenn in squares and Tyson in argyle.  Gotta love it!

 Alan's facial hair always overpowers my tacky make up.  Karina thought my lipstick was pretty. 

 I think Brad and Lizzy were the winners.  I mean how could we complete with that sweater!?

We had a great time and we had some rocking fondue!  I am excited for next year.

Polar Express Ride

Friday night we had the Polar Express come to our house.  We put the kids to bed at 7:00 (they had no idea it was that early) and when they went to bed they found a Polar Express golden ticket on their beds.  I think they were more excited about the tickets than the actual ride.

 

 They got their slippers, robes, and jackets and we went out to the car. 

We drove around and looked at Christmas lights.  We found a really cool house with an igloo and a Ferris wheel in the front yard.  I think I was more impressed than the kids.   

 

 

 I thought this display was beautifully done as well.  

This house was also very beautiful.  I really like the garland looking lights on the roof. 

Then we came home and had homemade hot chocolate.  I thought it turned out pretty good.   

 

 

Even Alan enjoyed it. 

 

The kids had a great time and I hope to continue this tradition in the future!