Christmas 2010 Has Begun

Ben & I are like giddy little kids when packages from (Ben's) Aunt Mary arrive; we NEVER

wait until Christmas Day or our actual birthdays to tear open a package from her (sorry, but it's true). 

With her it’s always like getting to open TWO gifts: first you break into the heavy cardboard box to find an array of beautifully wrapped gifts with nice paper & sleek coordinating bows.

So when Ben pulled in to find two large boxes sitting our front porch this evening, we waited an entire 20 minutes before diving right in…

pile of Aunt Mary presents



Daddy got some nice clothes for school

Kaden got some 18+ month big boy clothes AND a little teddy bear pull toy, which was a hit!

Mama got a heavy grill pan (something I’ve wanted for a LONG time, but felt too guilty buying for myself), a round tart pan and a few other fun kitchen gadgets.

We rounded out the evening by making some chocolaty treats (chocolate covered peanuts, buckeyes & fudge) for Ben to take to school & give away.  He even helped!  Gasp!

Ben stirring the fudge, telling me NOT to take his picture.

 

Thank goodness a big chunk of this is leaving in the morning because this is just way too much temptation (for ME) to to handle for too long...

… and Christmas is still over a week away.

I am starting to get really excited about taking another road trip back to Missouri 

& spending over a week with my family & friends!