Christmas 2012

What a wonderful Christmas 2012!

We started off our Christmas break Saturday morning by picking Omi up from the train station and...

 ...then headed right to City Park for a 10K race where mom placed 2nd overall female and the kids got to not only see Santa but, pick out a small toy too.

It's official... Christmas break has begun.

 Time to head to The Botanic Gardens at Chatfield for the festive Christmas lights.

 It was a cold but, beautiful evening.

 We all agreed this was the favorite of the trees even if it came out a little blurry in the photo.

 It's hard to capture on camera but, all the lights were gorgeous.

My mistake in letting the cookie dough thaw out waaay too long but, it sure made for a hilarious night of cookie making with some very flat, unshapely cookies.

 The kids still had lots of fun making cookies and getting flour everywhere.

 Ava was hard at work while...

 ... Dylan sang his "Make a Potato Flat Flat Flat" song very loud (and cute) while making sure to kiss each and every cookie before going into the oven.

Not so edible this year but, the experience made for some funny memories.

 It's almost Christmas but, before the big day we made sure to...

 ...head downtown for our annual ride on the Light Rail for...

 ...a delicious family lunch downtown and later for some...

 ...sight seeing of our favorite blue bear peering in the window (behind us) and...

 ...taking in the views from the 37th floor of the Hyatt.

 Dylan enjoyed the views but, ...

...not for too long.

 Denver Pavilions.

 Taking the train back home. What a fun day in the city.

 While Sharona and Omi were at church, it was time for the kids to get ready for Santa and his reindeer to come while the snow was beginning to fall out side.

 The kids were up bright and early Christmas morning to see all the fun toys that Santa delivered.

 Ava loves her new guitar and bath robe.

 Dylan's gumball machine was a big hit.

 Gearing up for the ski season.

 I love that Dylan calls his new lightsaber his "life saver."

Trying out her new ice skates (with the fuzzy guards on) in the house.

Ringing his bell from Santa's slay.

 This year the entertainment that brought us the most laughs was playing the Xbox connect as a family. It was a perfect way to laugh both with and at each other along with having some friendly competition too.The ski racing was the biggest hit.

 Time for some fresh air and a walk in all the Christmas snow.

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year.