My friend, Terry, (the one who gave us the rats) made this absolutely exquisite gingerbread house for us. She even hand crafted miniature rats out of fondant. Can you see the one by the front door?
I can honestly say that I've never seen a cuter gingerbread house...I feel so honored to be the recipient of one of her masterpieces...
This is a picture of the back of the house....
We finally got to take my mom to Longwood Gardens while she was here visiting over Thanksgiving...It's about a hour away from our house...
The Merrills (Heather) joined us as well...
A visit to Longwood Gardens has become one of our Christmas traditions...
I love these orange winterberries mixed with orange/peach poinsettias and paperwhites...
I liked this Christmas tree that was made entirely out of coleus (I think) and some sort of waxy leaf.
Due to the lighting, my camera wasn't able to capture some of my most favorite displays...
Trust me when I say that it's a pretty spectacular place...
There was a lot of grumbling going on before this picture was taken, so don't let these smiles fool you...
There was a lot of grumbling going on before this picture was taken, so don't let these smiles fool you...
What is it anyway with kids and their constant need for snacks!?!
We had a great time at our ward party this year...
I love this one of Ellie....
Reilly and I went to see the Nutcracker last Saturday...
Our neighbor and friend Regina was Clara this year, so we went to see her in the performance...
How is it that some people are blessed with the gift of coordination and grace (her) while others are so clodhopper-ish?! (me) sigh!
(Not sure what's up with Reilly's mouth in this picture...it looks very bulbous and weird)
It was the best picture of me out of the 20 or so self portraits that we took and so that's why I chose that one...
Is that wrong that I choose our pictures based on how I look in them?
We had a great time at our ward party this year...
I'd say it was one of the best ones we've ever had...
Although I brought my camera, I didn't end up taking any action shots except for Jake and Ellie sitting on Santa's (Dom) lap...
I love this one of Ellie....
I can still here her now..."And I want a doll that goes pee pee and poo poo and a makeup center and a ballet costume and a music box and a ...."
I gave "Santa" permission to cut her off after about the 10th gift request...
That gingerbread house is amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have you back posting again!
ReplyDeleteThat gingerbread house is amazing! I can't imagine having the patience or skills necessary to complete such a task.
I love visiting gardens like that but have never been to one decked out for Christmas, that seems like a very cool tradition.
Oh, I love Longwood Gardens! Thank you for sharing the Christmas pictures. I have never been there at Christmastime!
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ReplyDeleteI like that picture of Ellie too. too cute! very cool gingerbread house too. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful gingerbread house. Each year I want to make one. One of these years I will. It looks like so much fun to do and the one your friend made is really wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe gardens sound like exactly the type of place I really enjoy. Lucky you! They don't have one around here!!
heh, cute pictures, I too love the last one of Ellie. She is such a simpleton, like her auntie Jojo
ReplyDeleteThat friend of yours is talented with the gingerbread houses. WOW!
ReplyDelete(I try to pick out the pictures of myself that look the best, too. If you're wrong for doing it, then so am I.)
That rat has GOT to go. Fondant or no fondant, it is gross!
ReplyDeletewas she giving you the gingerbread house as an apology for also giving you rats? also, 2010 christmas cards are done! that picture of your family is absolutely all american adorable. are you guys on a TV show? yea, i thought so...its all fake
ReplyDeleteI heard about the gardens. It was fun to see the pictures. I am glad you enjoyed the party!!
ReplyDeleteWow what a gift that house is! You are one loved gal!!
ReplyDeletethat garden looks amazing- I feel like a lazy bum when I think about your garden... You've got mad skills!
so glad you are back
Hi, michelle - i just started browsing your blog. What fun. Your kids are adorable.
ReplyDeleteLove that shot of of the winter berries @ Longwood. My husband and I took my mom there the Monday after Christmas.
(I think I have a couple of the same pics, minus the smiling children.) ;-)