A Perfect Sledding Day

Gingerbread House-2012

 The annual day after Christmas gingerbread house construction.

It wasn't going too well for me....

 No matter how much icing we used we couldn't get the darn thing to stick together.

 So I called the emergency reserves....Becky.....a professional!

 That's more like it!

The good thing about making our gingerbread house the day after Christmas is that 2 days after Christmas the kids get to eat it!

Christmas Eve--2012

 We attended the Christmas Eve vigil at church tonight...this was the first year that I didn't have anyone singing at other masses, so we were all able to attend Mass together!

We arrived home from church, the girls and I got busy cooking....it was time for the annual Collins' family secret santa party.

 Kimberly in her Christmas dress.

 Daniel, head over heels with joy!

 Gracie, with her requested "bagel bite"

 Laura is ready to party!

 Daddy  is happy as long as his plate stays full.

 Becky preparing the names that will be drawn for the "opening gifts order".  (Very inportant to family harmony)

 Another bagel bite lover---Luke

 Becky received this very cute ornament from a girl at work today.  ( I can see this as a gift we will make in years to come)

 Pretty Amy

 A double fisted drinker

 We all gathered around a roaring fire

 Lady seemed a little puzzled by all the excitement.

 There was plenty of "hay" to make Baby Jesus a nice soft bed this Christmas Eve.  We made the manger at the beginning of Advent, and when a good deed was completed a piece of yarn was added to the manger.

 Becky's delicious pepperoni and sausage bread

 Laura leading Christmas carols

 Becky wants to be in the front for the family photo!

I LOVE the photo bomber

 That's pretty good, except we are missing Matthew and Patrick has bunny ears.

 Is someone posing?

 Surprise!

 Notice Daniel's wrapping job.

 Whac-A-Mole---everyone is having fun with this

 Luke was quite a bit excited with his gift from Matt.

 You don't have to share Christmas presents.

 Whac-A-Mole

We ended the evening with saying the family rosary.

What better way to thank Mary for saying "yes"!

Trimming the Tree--2012

 It's time to trim the tree!!

 I am always surprised by the number of ornaments we have...I had to say "enough" when every branch was filled to capacity.

 My little princess

 Luke called this area his "personal decorating space"

 We drew names out of hat and Becky had the honor of putting the star on top of the tree.

 "Laura, this is family time!"

 The 2012 tree trimming crew

 Goofs

 My six girls

Three boys---it's pretty good to get 8 of 10 of the kids together at one time---too bad, some folks have to work.