Christmas Eve 2012

Making cookies on Christmas Eve morning has become a tradition since we moved to Italy. My big kids were very independent bakers this year.  Besides the final mix of the dough and moving cookie sheets in and out of the oven, it was all Emma and Camden!

 After a busy morning in the kitchen,  the bakers became detectives with and important mystery to solve.

 A few pictures next to the base Christmas tree in our fancy clothes before Mass.

 Emma singing in the children's choir.

 Camden, Ben, Emma, and Claire

 Me, Chris, Gerry, and Pam

The beloved Morris family is moving to Virginia this week so going to Christmas Eve Mass with them was extra special!

 Back home and in our jammies, the traditions continue.

  Eating homemade pizza...

 ...while watching It's a Wonderful Life.

 Listening to  The Night Before Christmas.

 Camden conked out right after the story, so Emma set out the treats for Santa and the reindeer.

Gyozas and Games

Day 2 of Winter Break was another busy and fun one!  

Camden and Emma came downstairs dressed like this, ready to go to the commissary and then get baking.

Making peanut butter cookies for our festive ice cream sandwiches. 

Camden was in a better mood then his expression shows :)

 We had a gyozas and games night and I put the kids to work prepping the gyozas for me.

 Let the the cut throat game of Scattegories begin!

 Savannah and Camden helped out Chris while I played photographer for a round.

 Camden has changed his roles from Santa to Chihuahua :)

 Moving on to one of my all time favorites: Catch Phrase.

 This is what happens when you get old and can't see the game - ha ha!

 One tired gamer...

CYP "See Ya Around" Party

Last night we had a celebration with our CYP family to say "see ya around" to Michael, who has moved from teen center director to Carney Park manager.

Me, Cathy, Pam, and Kelly 

The MWR branch of book club :)

 John, Richard, Michael, and Chris -

our wonderful hubbies!

 Happiness!

 Richard and Cathy

 Cathy, Ariel, Nicole, and M.J.

 The CYP gang presenting Michael his plaque.

 A rare speech from the guest of honor.

 Chris and Michael enjoying a laugh

(maybe about the fact they are wearing the same sweater).

 Kelly and Michael

 The party always ends up in the kitchen!

 My fabulous travel buddy!

 Chris and M.J. modeling their matching hats.

Holiday Fun NES

The week before Winter Break was an exciting and fun one at school for both Camden and Emma!  On Thursday, Camden's class made gingerbread houses and I got to watch the artist work for a while. :)

 So proud of his masterpiece!

 I make a quick stop by Emma's room and she was getting ready to board the Polar Express.

We are so blessed to call Naples Elementary our school! :)

Good Samaritan Chapel Christmas Production

Emma and Camden got to be in their first Christmas play at church this year!  Emma has been singing once a month in the children's choir and was perfect in the Choir of Angels. When I listed off all the roles before tryouts last month, Camden immediately said he wanted to be a shepherd and he was cast as one!

I forgot my camera at both dress rehearsal and the performance :(  Thanks to my iPhone and our friend, Sharon, I have a few pictures to share...

Guess who else played an angel (on numerous occasions) in the church Christmas play!?!? :)

Claire's Hollywood Party

Friday evening we helped our friend, Claire, celebrate her 12th birthday-Hollywood Style.  The guests were asked to come in their finest celebrity wear and Emma & Camden did not disappoint! 

Camden was "da man" at the bar while Jerry and Terry fixed up some mocktails for the party guests.

 Surrounded by the celebrities

Silly guy

Future James Bond?

 I was the paparazzi for the event...

Happy Early Birthday, Claire!  Thanks for the great party! ;)