Happy Holidays

Sammy's First Christmas Eve

Every year on Christmas Eve we head down to my aunt and uncles house for dinner and a ping pong tournament. Before the night was over, we gave Sammy his first present...new Christmas pajamas! This little dear is the cutest of them all.

This year, we've had several new additions to the family. This is Blake and Sammy. Guess who's older. If you said, 'Blake' you're right. He's 7 weeks older than Sammy. Blake isn't 'small' for his age either. He's above average for his age on all the charts. Obviously, Sammy isn't about to be out done. He never misses a meal. In fact, he sometimes forgets he's just eaten.

And behold...there was a marvelous ping pong tournament throughout the land. Dave and I went head to head for the 3rd time in 5 years. I lost...Again. My cousin, Andrew, Won...Again. We thought for sure his 4-year-reign as Ping Pong king was going to come to an end this year...but alas. It was not to be. Perhaps we'll get you next year, Andrew!

Christmas Morning

Having a child has made Christmas so much MORE fun. Even though he doesn't understand any of the hoop-la, I'm sure he understands better than any of us, the REASON behind the celebration.

Here is Sammy on Christmas morning before opening any of his presents. He was so excited. He just wanted to chew on everything.

Looks like we've got another golfer on our hands. Thanks Daddy!

How did Santa know I wanted this! It's the best toy ever!

Christmas Brunch

After giving our presents and opening the ones from Santa, we headed down to the Ponds for the annual Christmas brunch. The best part about Christmas is seeing all the people we love. Other things we loved about this Christmas include:

Guitar Hero, (if my dad is involved, its GOT to be good fun)

Pete's pirate ship, (spread all over the piano room with the coolest authentic looking pieces)

Piano Trios (how do you get 6 hands on one keyboard and not begin a cat fight?)

Grandparents (I now understand the 'Grand' because they ARE!)

The Seattle DaBells! (Thanks for coming...we haven't had everyone together like this since the 90's!)

Michelle: Okay Sammy smile!

Sammy: Um, mommy...I just woke up and I'm EXTRA hungry. I'm confused because you aren't feeding me yet.

Michelle's After Christmas Soup Kitchen

It's was nearly impossible to get the Droge family together for Christmas this year. So, we invited everyone up for the first annual After Christmas Soup Kitchen. By the time I thought about taking pictures of it, the food was gone. It sure was yummy.