Santa Claus Came to Town!

I know that I have heard it before, but I now truly understand how the magic of Christmas is best seen through the eyes of a child.  Mehandis was more excited to visit with Santa, at our local coffee shop/bakery, than eat the donuts.  So we got in line before getting a seat at a table and took a seat on his lap.  Minimal fear of this bearded stranger this year... or maybe Mehandis just wanted to get his wishes in (a big train) so he could get to the business of donuts.

We had some silly fun with our poses, ho-ho-ho's and big smiles while visiting Santa.

Our friends joined us in on the fun!

  Christamas Eve soon followed.  We began the festivities with a Christmas Carol Sing-Off with Michael's family.

I  believe it started with "Silent Night" and then a shift to "Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer", with a talented guitar player, reindeer player and Grandma actor.

Our big family followed with "Jingle Bells".  Think we may have looked better than we sounded...but we still rocked!

Another rendition of "Grandma Got Ranover" followed with props and much previous practice.  Awesome I must say!

Then my personal favorite, the "Reindeer Hokey Pokey" brought in the audience applause.  Only a preschool teacher could reign in the family with this rendition.  Super work Carol!

The Ryan side celebrations was not only about singing but game playing as well.  Lauren was great with the "Left/Right" present pass and Josh did super with enterntaining his cousin and uncle for a little basement basketball.  Do you see the AppleIIE under the hoop?

Christmas Day soon followed... in Chicago with my family.

We had fun celebrating with my Uncle Gregg.  Mehandis enjoyed showing off his new robe from Aunt Loretta.

Michael and I enjoyed the picture opps in the blanket of white, just outside my parents' home.

Just a  bit after our arrival back in Wisconsin, we hosted a very dear college friend in addition to her family and our mutual friends.  You can see her daughter cautioning Mehandis in putting on her mom's shoes in the first pic.  Then she gives up and "re-decorates" our tree.  Mehandis than also gives up and  then chooses to put on Maira's fancy furry boots. 

This year we are thankful for great friends, loving family, plenty of play and good health.

Bring on 2010!