Christmas Day 2011 in Pictures

Cookies for Santa

When we got home from Christmas Eve dinner, we set out cookies and Natty Boh for Santa (doens't everyone leave beer for Santa?), and then I was excited to continue a tradition of watching "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before Ryan went to bed.  My little worrywart, however, could not relax and enjoy the show.  He was too worried that Santa would come while we were still awake, and move on to the next house after seeing people were still up.  We didn't even get through half of the show when he told me he had to go to bed before Santa came and he didn't want to watch any more TV.  he then instructed Tim and I to go to bed as well!

Christmas Eve Dinner

This year, as we planned our Christmas Eve dinner with the Karpewiczs, we assumed we would go to the same place as the past 2 years - Yellow Dog Tavern.  It's close and we have always enjoyed our meals there.  Unfortunately they, along with many other bars/restaurants in Baltimore, decicded to close their doors after the end of the Ravens game, and would not be open for dinner.  After brainstorming a bit, we decided to go to Speakeasy in Canton Square.  It turned out to be a great decision, as Canton Square was decorated for Christmas with tons of props that made for great photo opps with Ryan and Ava.  And a bit of a longer walk just allowed for more time for Ryan and Ava to belt out Christmas Carols at the top of their lungs.  We had a great meal, a fun walk to and from the restaurant, and overall another wonderful Christmas Eve with the Karpewiczs!

Christmas Eve 2011 - Pre Dinner

This year, for the third year in a row, we stayed in Baltimore to celebrate Christmas as a family of three.  we have really enjoyed these new traditions that we created with the perfect mix of spending time with friends, and having our own little holiday at home.  It turned out that the Ravens were playing on Christmas Eve this year, so we invited the Cardwells and Karpewiczs over for the game and some snacks and drinks.  I gave Tim one of his Christmas presents early  - so he could wear his new Ravens jersey to watch the game..

Ryan and Laura decorating cookies for Santa

 Ryan loves the Cardwells!

 Ryan, the magician and Laura, his faithful assistant

 Tim and his new jersey

Ryan and Ava

 Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas

 Cardwells and Doodys

 Karpewiczs and Doodys

Cousin Love

It was a no brainer what Ryan would bring in for show and tell - "Pictures of my cousins!"

Pumpkin Patch Birthday Party

This year, Ryan's Birthday Party was finally all about HIM!  Not that he hasn't enjoyed the past 3 years - where we invited all of our friends (mostly adults, and a few kids) over for food  and drink to celebrate his big day, but we thought it was time for a change.  He has been invited to several of his classmates' parties, and in turn was asking if they could be invited to his party as well.  Knowing our house is not big enough to host a true "kids party," I began searching for venues and was delighted to find a local farm where we could do a low key party at a fairly reasonable price.  Actually, when I subtract all of the money we have spent on beer the past few years, this year's party was the cheapest yet!  And not having it at our house meant no clean up - perfect!  We had 16 kids in attendance, ranging in age from 4 1/2 months to 6 years old, with most hovering around age 4.  All of the classmates we invited from Ryan's school attended, and he was ecstatic to spend time with them outside of school.  It was obvious that these kids spend a lot of time together, they interact so well and are at the age where friendships really are forming and developing.  Everyone had a GREAT time!  After playing in the hay maze and empty tires for awhile, the kids then explored the petting zoo area, went on a hayride, picked out pumpkins, ate pizza, cake, and played some more.  The party was a great success and it was nice getting to know some of Ryan's classmates and their parents a little bit better.  And Ryan loved every minute of it...Happy 4th Birthday Ryan!