Fresh cut...really?

Remember that fresh cut tree that Owen picked out this year? Whether the tree, the time away from the tree, or a touch of Charlie Brown magic, one could not describe in words how quickly needles can fall off of a tree...
Unbelievable...maybe Home Depot trees aren't so bad after all. To clarify...this was taken on Dec 29th...and not mid January. We'll see what happens next year.

The C Family Gathering

While Great Grandpa C was comfortably settled into Florida at Christmas this year, the rest of the crew got together to celebrate another year and to catch up with one another...something we've been doing since our generation was as young as the new generation. Aunt Barb helped to keep the ladies in line...

...and uncle Brian hid away with the guys.

Owen, Pierson, and Mack managed to entertain themselves by chasing cars around the restaurant and then trying to kick the rest of us out into the snow.

Meanwhile, Paxton opted to find some other little guy to keep her entertained. Smart girl.

...ring in the new year. Cheers to 2010!

Christmas in Snowy Michigan

Grandma-grandma-grandma and Papa Babas had the sleds ready and cleared the way for another visit from Santa when we arrived in Michigan to round out our Christmas journey. Christmas night started off with a family music session (led by uncle Paul) that captivated both Owen and Paxton.

In keeping with our family tradition, the day after Christmas was one last chance for opening presents and spending time together with the family. Paxton did her best to keep Papa in line..."No tickies Papa!"

Paxton generously offered her stocking opening services to Brecken.

Happiness could be found in the form of a "ballee," Hot Wheels set, gumballs, and a microphone.

When she wasn't opening gifts, Paxton was busy chasing down her new best friend...kitty.

Once again, the Christmas ghost helped close out the year, leading Owen and the rest of us around the the snowy yard and into the barns in search of clues and the final gifts (hanging high in the barn this year) of the holiday season.

Bekah and Papa were big helpers for Owen on the hunt, reading clues and providing hints.

Ta da! Let's go open them.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas in T-Town

Grandma, Papi, and Glitzy played host this year to a few fun days of get togethers, a visit with Santa, and the annual Christmas Eve family gathering.Like the toys that grandma had under the tree, the piano provided a source of "soothing" sounds and endless entertainment this year. Owen and Paxton took time for a few special duets with cousins Olivia and Gideon.
Meanwhile, Aunt Sarah provided an extra special gift to each of the little characters, transforming them into super heros and unleashing the alter egos.

One last special gift...air hockey...required double the effort to open it up. Another great holiday in Ohio with family.

Our Family Christmas

After several weeks of holiday preparations, a cookie exchange, Santa's arrival at the Christmas walk in town, a reading of the Night Before Christmas, and the setting out of the cookies and milk, the big night arrived for Owen and Paxton. The stockings were hung from the chimney with care...
The sun could not rise early enough, or maybe it hadn't even broken the horizon when the excitement began. Owen led the way downstairs and even offered some friendly encouragement to hurry Miss P up.

A collection of hidden curiosities awaited the two of them at the bottom of the stairs.

In life, there aren't many things more simple or rewarding than seeing Christmas morning through the eyes of a 4 year old and a 2 year old.

At such an early hour, a cup of coffee helped Brecken, while a giant candy cane seemed to hold Paxton over until breakfast. Merry Christmas to all....at home family style.