The picture above is one of my favorites. The look of pure joy on Avery's face is priceless. Of course, one does have to wonder what her oldest cousin is so puzzled about.....trying to figure out how one 2 year old can be so bossy maybe? And in the bottom corner of the picture, Max is just focused on the cookies! Maybe that's when he was decorating his "angry bear"....nothing says Christmas like those "angry bear" cookies! While describing (in great detail) the decoration of every single cookie on the plate, Max held up his a cute teddy bear shaped cookie that he obviously decorated. He looked at me with a straight face and said "I call this one angry bear". Right now we're going with the idea that Max is very artistic and has an incredible, healthy imagination. Play along people.....Max may need the support!
Above, Max and Anthony pose for a great picture! Max looks so OLD in this one! 
Above, Max, Avery and Mallory settle in on papa's lap for a night time story. As Max pointed out....repeatedly....their hair was wet from going in the hot tub. Maybe the Christmas cookie bear was angry because he didn't get to go in the hot tub. Max really likes the hot tub. Really likes it. A lot. He really likes that Avery doesn't get to go in the hot tub. It is his opinion that Avery should never go in the hot tub. Ever.
And, of course, we have put up our tree and hung our stockings with care. Max and Kurt picked out the tree and at this point, we're just hoping that ALL the needles don't fall off before Santa comes! It was great at first.....smelled wonderful, good stiff branches for our ornaments, just the right height.....and then a week passed. Late at night, when all is quiet, I sit next to the tree, enjoying the lights and listening to tinkling of falling needles that will need to be vacuumed up the next day. Ah, the life I lead! It still looks great from the street though! It still looks nice and full and well lit from that distance, and provides a bit of "outdoor decoration"...because there's really no competing with the life size Santa that stands on the porch across the street, behind the lighted reindeer or the lighted and animated reindeer next door, along with the lighted Christmas trees, garland wrapped around the posts and giant wreath. The good news is that we have not had to waste any electricity and use our own outdoor lighting at any point since the neighbors put up this gaudy display. You'd think a lawyer would have more taste, but not so much! And, she's the one that started the flour fight.....that kind of behavior is something I would only engage in when provoked (or have imbibed enough holiday cheer to think it's actually a good idea)
All in all, this holiday season has been full of fun and cheer. The cookies from papa and grandma's are delicious...well, we don't know about Avery's because she told us, hands on hip, that papa said they were her cookies and now she won't share! Even the cookies Michelle and I made and had all the kids decorate the next day (not good planning on our part) turned out to be delicious! Max and Avery are getting along and are still in awe each time we turn the on the Christmas tree lights! We're all waiting on baited breath for Santa to come and looking forward to spending time with all of our family and friends as we celebrate this special time of year. Here's wishing everyone happiness, health and good wishes through the holidays and the new year!
