Merry Christmas already! (part one)

(Christmas morning---notice the near noon-day sun streaming through the windows onto the not-yet-opened gifts. That's just how we roll!)

Does anyone even remember Christmas? Well, just in case it seems like a distant memory---I'm here to bring some holiday cheer to the end of January (which is when most people will get their Christmas cards from the Ashtons).

First there were the school Christmas parties (ahem, "holiday parties") ---notice the diminishing levels of excitement from Kindergarten to 5th grade).

Next, we had a little visit from the Lewis family---on their way to Ohio...

This is baby Sophie----again, don't confuse her with puppy Sophie

(the one in pink is sooo much cuter!)

Apparently Ashlyn and Sophie were the only members of the Lewis family to make it on camera---which speaks to how fun and action packed their short visit was---no time to stop and capture the moment.

Since we were out of town so much in December, we missed our opportunity to dress up and attend the holiday parties. To help us feel better about this---Bart and Sophie put on their Christmas best.

(What on earth is happening to me???)

Then there was Christmas Eve....

We were invited to a fabulous dinner at the Frandsens

And after our traditional "true meaning of Christmas" sentiments--- the commercialism of Christmas began----starting with new Christmas Eve p.j.'s. (To thier credit, the kids always act surprised.)

That night the kids all slept together watching Christmas movies---attempting to wait for Santa (but falling asleep before he arrived).
To be continued.....