A Little Later in December

It was so cold the weekend we decided to get our Christmas tree, that Dan went by himself to our church's Christmas tree lot to get it.  It had been so cold that the tree was in excellent condition. 

Here comes the tree!

Anthony was excited!

We had to let the tree thaw for a day.

The Christmas tree in all its glory.  All the kids helped decorate it, so I was too busy at the time to take pictures!

That same weekend, Dan took the kids over to his sister and brother-in-law's reception hall (The Red Rooster Reception Hall, near Augusta), as they had it all decorated for a big Christmas party, held the night before.  I was sick, so I stayed home.  

The kids in front of the neat village scene.

This part of the festivities was not in the actual reception hall, but out in the barn.

Bridget showed the kids where all the guests got popcorn and hot chocolate.

The following weekend we decided to take a picture of the kids for a Christmas photo card.  

The picture we chose.

During the month of December, Dan continued to work on the greenhouse, when weather allowed.

The sheets of metal were leftover from when the shed was built.

Boys and Pictures

This is from when I attempted to take a nice picture of all of the kids on the Fourth of July.  What is it with boys and taking pictures?  Notice the girls are smiling nicely in all of the pictures.

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Family Portraits

About a week before Christmas, we managed to squeeze in a formal portrait session for our family.  The last time we had any taken was five years ago, when Joseph was a baby.  So we were due for a nice family photo!  Following are some of the proofs that were taken. 

Our family, December 18, 2012.

We did get one of the two of us.  The last time was 10 years ago at our wedding!

Anthony with a silly face.   He was very reluctant at first, but then warmed up.

That's better.

The best one of the kids, I think.

Catherine, age 9.

Dominic, age 7.

Anne, age 7.

Joseph, age 5.

Anthony, age 2.

Another nice one of the family.

Real Life

Okay, so one Sunday morning we attempted to get a nice picture of the kids in front of the Christmas tree.

Wait, let me fix something.

Two happy girls, one solemn boy, and one very unhappy little boy.

Now, we're waiting for the wee one.

Oh, dear.

"I do not want to be here right now!"

This was the best one we got, and we finally gave up.  At least I can now look at these pictures and find it funny!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our family on Christmas Day after Mass.

I have a big backlog of posts to do, so watch out!

Starring Anthony

Buckethead!

Anthony with his cousin, Clara, at their joint birthday party at Grandma's house.

Here comes trouble!

Starring Joseph

Joseph getting a little brain surgery from his cousin.

Pausing during play for a cool drink.

Joseph looking fierce!

Starring Anne

Anne with her little cousin, Evelyn, and Grandma.

Lifting weights.

"Planting" flowers.

Anne with the new wheelbarrow.

Starring Dominic

Climbing in the "thorn" tree.

Dominic playing in the rocks.

Dominic and his twin with all the little doggies.

Throwing horseshoes.

Starring Catherine

Playing horseshoes.

Catherine holding her little cousin, Elizabeth.

Making sand castles.

Catherine, one of our spring flowers.

Putting flowers in front of Mary statue and Mary Joseph's cross, in the grotto.