Christmas 2007

Well another Christmas has come and is going.

Fortunately for us, all of us were healthy. The kids managed to break their past records of at least one of them being sick on Christmas day. That is if you don't count Oliva's tonsils that are the size of ping pong balls. They're scheduled for eviction though on January 10.

After finishing up our yearly reading of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" and watching the Alistair Sim version of the same, Vicky and I did another late night wrapping session in order to get stuff wrapped on Christmas eve. One would think we would learn our lesson and start wrapping earlier but why do today what you can put off tomorrow.



Eli got up at 0'dark 30, (2:15 for you non military types) and wandered out to check on the status of Santa. Fortunately, Vicky woke up and stopped any present looting before it started.

Of course, Eli being Mr. Bright and Early was first up of the kids. Although he was under strict orders not to go wake the girls he promptly woke both of them and chaos ensued.

As you can tell, they were less than thrilled at being stopped from diving straight into the presents and shredding everything in sight.



Finally they were turned loose with their stockings..







It wouldn't be Christmas without new ornaments from Aunt Beth.







Many presents and much happiness ensued...

Vicky with her Cat bowls, (to go with her Chicken bowls)







Eli with a new deer. Emelie is now convinced that with her doe, aptly named Backstrap, and Eli's new buck we should have a breeding population of deer shortly. Personally I think she is watching to much Animal Planet.









The Monkey's with their presents from Grandma Sheila.





And Olivia opening a present from the Kelliher side of the family. Aunt Beth had no idea just how appropriate that box was for Olivia. One of her many names here is, "The Bean Queen". Her favorite food is beans... Yep, she takes after the DeKnight side of the family.



Kelliher's... Hmm this next gift is maybe the shot heard round the world.. Are you sure you want to start this battle? After all, we could box Eli up with his new toy, toss in a cap gun and about 10,000 caps and send him up to you!



Olivia with her new soft fuzzy. She's still working on a name for her new kitty. Vicky ran through the normal cat names, I ran a little farther afield, Dogchow, Field goal, Punt, or Poppy.







The Monkeys with their presents from Granma Sybil and Granddad Bill.



And Emelie being less than thrilled with her new watch. And both Vicky and I thought she would really like it as she has learned how to tell time and thought she was big enough for a real watch.







Eli with his new cap gun. This was a fun toy for the first couple eight shot cap rings... After that it began to fall into that category of what the HECK WAS I THINKING?



And Gnip Gnop! I remember this from when I was a kid! Now if the Monkeys would stop taking the balls out and running off with them we could actually play Gnip Gnop.



Here is Vicky with her new Palm Tungsten E PDA that I/the Monkeys got her. Unfortunately Eli has not learned to keep his mouth shut about secrets. Let's hope that when he goes into the military he doesn't need a secret or above clearance.



All three Monkeys got Camebak Mini-Mule backpacks for when we go out for a walk or go Geocaching. Now they can carry their own gear, their own water, and their own food. That way there will be no more, dying of thirst or hunger 200 yards into a walk.





Eli got a nice new jacket, a flight jacket! Just like real airplane drivers wear!



Olivia has been wanting a stuffed Nemo for some time, fortunately Santa was able to shop Ebay and find one for reasonable.



And Emelie got her heart's desire...



To all friends and family who made this a Merry Christmas, Thank you and may God bless you.

#6

Boy how time flies.

Hard to believe Monkey #1 is already 6. Well technically she isn't until 8:45 this evening. I tried to put off the whole cake and presents thing till then but was threatened with a mutiny from all sides.

Vicky pulled out the stops last night in creating Emelie's cake. Emelie had requested dinosaurs on her cake, (yep, she is still fascinated by dinosaurs). Vicky had been chewing ideas around for awhile how best to do a dinosaur cake. Fortunately having small children and small plastic dinosaurs turned into a plus rather than a late night liability, (something about walking across a dark room and stepping on triceratops with your bare feet...).



Yep, a dinosaur cake, complete with dinosaurs, water, grass, trees and a marshmallow volcano. Emelie was more than pleased with her cake.











Of course her brother and sister had to get into the act. Eli of course was horribly upset that Emelie didn't want or need his help in opening her presents. I had to remind him that he didn't want Emelie's help on his birthday.





And of course, what is a birthday without presents?

Emelie and her loot.



A nice brother who was willing to share his prized GoGo for a day.



Olivia was willing to share her Sara for the day.



Sneaky Mommy and Daddy gave her presents to help with her school! The LeapFrog system is supposed to help turn learning into a game. Maybe that way she will start paying attention.





And Aunt Beth, Uncle Charlie, cousin Sean, and cousin Kathleen contributed to the dinosaur theme.



As I've taken a vacation day today we are heading out to the Heard Museum after lunch. For those who remember last year, the Dinosaur's Alive exhibit is back.



It should be a fun trip!

Update!

Since this years dinos were different than last years I figured I'd throw a few of the pictures in from the trip..











We discovered this tree out on the dinosaur trail. It's a great example of a Texas Native Pecan tree... And believe me, the area underneath was loaded with fresh pecans. We spent a good 15 to 20 minutes, picking up pecans, cracking them and picking the meat out of them. I think though that the Heard Museum might frown if we came out with 5 gallon buckets and tried to abscond with all their pecans.







This was a nice example of a spitting dinosaur, fortunately Vicky and I had seen what was going on with this one before we got in range. We were able to convince the kids to wander up nice and close for a real "close" view..






That is all for now...

Look for another post sometime after Christmas.

May you all have a blessed holiday and a Merry Christmas!
Dave, Vicky, Emelie, Eli, and Olivia