Wicker Family Christmas

We enjoyed an chance to get south to spend part of the Christmas holiday with family. It doesn't happen very often that we can get to them so we were so glad it worked out. And the kids were so pumped to spend time with Nene & Papa, their cousins, the dogs and GET PRESENTS!

Anika was so excited about her Kermit, the frog hat!

Papa kept the dogs safe from all the bedlam!

A triple hug!

Getting the "computer" she REALLLLLY wanted:

Playing:

Aunt Rachel and Simon:

So happy!

Uncle John and Kat:

Kat's cradle:

The whole crew (including dogs) - I think everyone is looking in this shot.

Christmas Kiddos

I was hoping to take some family Christmas pictures -- but it didn't happen before church. I was able to snap a few of the kids after church but this is what they looked like!!!!! ANGRY BIRDS (a dear friend at church gave them these hand-crafted knit angry bird beanies. The kids were ecstactic.)

Here are a few more traditional shots:

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is traditionally our family day. We open gifts in the morning, enjoy a wonderful meal, and play games, etc. This year was no exception! What a wonderful day! Playing our new "Richard Scarry Busy Town" game:

Helping in the kitchen

Mommy's Little Helpers! Anika loves to help in the kitchen but it is always important to dress the part. Here is her homemake chef's hat!

Christmas Cookies

Our annual Christmas cookie decorating tradition - yum! (And Mom discovered a new almond flavor frosting that made Daddy - and Mommy - very happy!)

Santa at the Fire Department

Thanksgiving Celebration

Gasp! I can't believe how far behind I am in posting. These pictures are from Thanksgiving! Lloyd, Drew and I were able to have a special night out at Andrew's kindergarten Thanksgiving Celebration. It was a wonderful night to focus on Drew, eat great food, hear fun & thoughtful poems and songs, and see Drew shine! So much for which to be grateful.
Not sure why Drew is winking here. . .

Thanksgiving was fun this year because I had a wonderful helper in the kitchen! Anika loves to help out with the cooking when she can.