A Very Artsy Christmas

Well, friends, how was it?  Was your Christmas full of joy, laughter, and love?

I certainly hope so.  I can't believe it's over and we're headed fast into a brand new year!

Hubby and I are excited to be celebrating our 10th anniversary this week {look for a special post about that tomorrow!}, but first, I thought I'd invite you over for Christmas to show you the highlights of our Artsy Family holiday.

Our Christmas Eve actually turned out differently than we had planned because my father-in-law was sick, so hubby's whole side of the family wasn't able to come.  My parents came over for lunch and gave us each a few of our gifts, one of which was Little Crafter's Ravens comforter...apparently it would have been just as exciting if they'd wrapped up the empty box.

Then, we headed to church for a candlelight service.  Don't my boys look sharp?  Thanks to Nicole from Three's{4}Me for LC's adorable "frosty bob" tie, as he calls it.

Christmas morning was SUCH fun...he's saying "Woah, baby, that's a big present!"  It was a Ravens poster for his room.

He was thrilled to get the one thing he asked for, a Boldin jersey.  That's my boy!  He said, "Oh, I hoped that I would get this!"  Too cute!

...and the Leapster Explorer was a big hit, just like we thought it would be.

 My favorite gift from hubby was this gorgeous ring; it says "I am my beloved's and he is mine" in Hebrew.  Beautiful.  Well done, honey!

 Little Crafter had insisted on buying a gift for Big Elmo...thoughtful, huh?  He got him a shirt and jeans and he got himself a shirt to match.  He loved helping Elmo open his gifts.

My dad loved his retirement countdown...you may remember that from a post a few weeks back...

Both sides of the family were able to get together for dinner, which was such a special time.

 Four generations: my dad, my grandma, Little Crafter, and yours truly.

 LC got a cool shark hat from his surfer uncle, Jon.

 ...and it wouldn't be Christmas without the ugly pin tradition. 

I think this year we were tied for most awful-looking!

 Uncle Steve tried taking LC back to Manhattan with him, but I caught him just in time...

We had a wonderful holiday with loved ones and special memories.  It was such a joy watching Little Crafter enjoy everything, and we loved spending the day with family.  Hope your holiday was just as merry and bright.  Forgive me if you don't see any new projects or see me on here or Facebook much this week; I've got a very special anniversary to celebrate, and a special family whose company I want to enjoy as we celebrate the new year.

Hugs and Warm Wishes,