This year for Christmas Eve we decided to start a new American tradition by ordering Chinese food for dinner after the 5 o'clock church service. We invited our pal JD over for the fun, and Maggie couldn't have been more thrilled that her friend got to spend the evening with us.
After dinner Henry took it upon himself to set out cookies for the old Jolly man himself. He also placed out milk and a couple of pictures for Santa. And, he was extremely self controlled in not eating them himself. However, he did help himself to a couple of sips of Santa's milk.
The next morning was so much fun with just the four of us at home. We opened stockings, enjoyed hearing the Christmas story of baby Jesus, eating yummy breakfast casserole and followed it with even more exciting presents.
Henry gave Cinderella (aka Maggie) a new Nutcracker doll seeing as how she loves the story so very much.
And, check out this cute little booty. I'll bet you can guess what his new year's resolution is (and mine too).
Lots and lots of thank yous for Mommy and Daddy.
Enjoying a train set from the grands in Kansas. He was so excited to watch Thomas go around and around over and over again.
After lunch in Charlotte we packed up the mini van with gifts, kids and dog and headed to Chapin to see Grandma, Poppa, Aunts, Uncles and lots of cousins for even more fun.
Maggie was thrilled when Aunt Christine took a break from her busy Christmas day to play dress up and ponies with her niece.
The smiles never left our kids faces all day long. And, sitting with Grandma in new jammies and slippers only made this little girls grin bigger.
We were in for such a special treat when it snowed the day after Christmas in South Carolina! This is not something that happens very often at all in this neck of the woods, especially near Christmas.
Along with the snow we enjoyed time spent with Great Grandma Dot and the Great Aunts and Uncles Dec. 26th. Grandma Dot made Maggie this amazing life size doll that can fit in Maggie's very own clothes. She loves this.
We had such a great holiday, hope you and yours did too!
A couple weeks ago we had some very fun visitors come to Charlotte all the way from Honduras!
Snow in Charlotte usually means that the whole city shuts down, this is due to the fact that we are completely unequipped for this sort of thing. No one has snow tires and the Dept. of Transportation keeps only about a gallon of salt on hand for the roads. So, we stay home and play, which suits us Dirks just fine.
While Maggie was busy making snow angels, Henry saw to the brushing of snow off the car "duty".
Sledding on our recycle bin lid.
We learned that going on your tum tum, though it seems like a good idea....
is not such a good idea due to possible face planting.
All bundled up.
After all the excitement on the hill we opted for a nice leisurely "sleigh" ride through the hood. And, the kids feasted on snow as we went.
This year for Christmas Eve we decided to start a new American tradition by ordering Chinese food for dinner after the 5 o'clock church service. We invited our pal JD over for the fun, and Maggie couldn't have been more thrilled that her friend got to spend the evening with us.
After dinner Henry took it upon himself to set out cookies for the old Jolly man himself. He also placed out milk and a couple of pictures for Santa. And, he was extremely self controlled in not eating them himself. However, he did help himself to a couple of sips of Santa's milk. 
The next morning was so much fun with just the four of us at home. We opened stockings, enjoyed hearing the Christmas story of baby Jesus, eating yummy breakfast casserole and followed it with even more exciting presents.
Henry gave Cinderella (aka Maggie) a new Nutcracker doll seeing as how she loves the story so very much.
And, check out this cute little booty. I'll bet you can guess what his new year's resolution is (and mine too).
Lots and lots of thank yous for Mommy and Daddy.
Enjoying a train set from the grands in Kansas. He was so excited to watch Thomas go around and around over and over again.
After lunch in Charlotte we packed up the mini van with gifts, kids and dog and headed to Chapin to see Grandma, Poppa, Aunts, Uncles and lots of cousins for even more fun.
Maggie was thrilled when Aunt Christine took a break from her busy Christmas day to play dress up and ponies with her niece.
The smiles never left our kids faces all day long. And, sitting with Grandma in new jammies and slippers only made this little girls grin bigger.
We were in for such a special treat when it snowed the day after Christmas in South Carolina! This is not something that happens very often at all in this neck of the woods, especially near Christmas.
Along with the snow we enjoyed time spent with Great Grandma Dot and the Great Aunts and Uncles Dec. 26th. Grandma Dot made Maggie this amazing life size doll that can fit in Maggie's very own clothes. She loves this.
We had such a great holiday, hope you and yours did too!
