The 3 Things Holiday Extravaganza

I suppose normal bloggers contribute several Christmas posts over the holidays, so that they are then not stuck with the monumental task of compiling two-and-a-half weeks of laughter/fun/general holiday joy all in one post. While taking a break from one's blog is a necessary part of blogging (I've learned through reading and also living it myself), it does leave one a little overwhelmed when it comes time to open the blog floodgates and let it all spew out.

In a nutshell: We had a fantastic holiday!

We spent a week with Paul's cousin and family just outside of Toronto. We ended up leaving earlier than planned, as we were inundated with snow storms the week leading up to Chrismtas Eve. A&D were all too accomodating and were happy to welcome us into their home a little prematurely! The drive from Ottawa went pretty smoothly, the roads weren't great but we arrived safe and sound.

The 3 Things had a blast with their cousin A, and played round the clock until they couldn't possibly play for another single second. Their days were jammed packed with fun, excitement, new toys, cameras being snapped at them, playing, sledding, and generally no heavy thoughts to weigh them down. The grown ups had fun too, sipping wine or, for the incredibly brave, sipping Grand Marnier in the great outdoors in front of D's outdoor stove!

Thing 3 did her best to charm her way around a room, as usual.

Waving to everyone who came and went.

One of the only ways to bring all the boys down from their Christmas "highs" each evening was to capture their attention by engaging them in some good ole' holiday stories.

Things 1 and 2 poured their hearts into writing a note for Santa, and leaving him a carefully-thought snack. It was truly adorable and a melt your heart kind of mommy moment for me.

Happy faces and laughter could be found in every corner . . .

And when the right moment strikes, sometimes even mommies get all silly and start dancing.

And, to wrap it all up, here are a couple cute shots of what I like to call my 3Things + 1 shots.
3 Things + 1 in a tub . . .

3 Things + 1 on a couch.

Santa was good to everyone, and we all had a fabulous Christmas dinner and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. We couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.

All the best to all my completely and utterly fantastic blog readers for a fun, relaxing, prosperous, and healthy 2009!!