The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Like I said before I have really been looking forward to this Christmas. I love Christmas time. All the goodies, presents, decorations, lights, and family (even if it is just over Skype). I love all of the sights, songs and smells that go with Christmas. This year was even better because Mel is a little older and can enjoy it all even more.

Christmas goodies: I love the food you only get at Christmas time. Eggnog is one of our favorites. This year we decided to experiment with homemade eggnog. I must say it is really easy to make and very delicious. I am looking forward to making more next year and perfecting our own recipe.

Christmas dinner was another experiment. I have never made lamb before and the few times I have tried it I really didn't like it. But good ol' Costco made me want to try and make it. After enjoying a sample (or two) I decided to give it a go. It is by far the easiest protein I have ever made for dinner. All I did was season it and then stick it in the crock pot and not touch it for a few hours. That leg of lamb was falling apart delicious and I will probably opt to do it again next year.

Of course no Christmas would be complete without some cookies and candies. My favorite to make at Christmas is pumpkin fudge and nut clusters. We decided that it had been WAY too long since we have made gingersnaps, so we included them in our baking. Meric and Mel were in charge of making the cookies.

With her stool up to the counter Mel was very focused and intent on helping her daddy.

She was very curious and patient throughout the whole process. (Daddy was very patient too.)

Mel stood there from start to finish helping daddy with every step. She was very happy to enjoy the spoils of her hard work at the end too.

Christmas fun: Mel had a lot of fun with all the Christmas activities. My previous blog is all about the Christmas tree and decorating. This year we also pulled out Meric's childhood toy train.

Mel loves trains and was very excited to watch the train go round the track.

Christmas presents: Mel did a great job of not really messing too much with the tree.

Occasionally she would pull down an ornament but for the most part she left it alone and just enjoyed looking at it. On Christmas eve when we brought out all the presents that was a big temptation for her. She would shuffle right up to the edge of the presents and then stand there.

It was almost like she was saying "I'm not touching them."

On Christmas morning, when she could touch them, she had a ball unwrapping presents. Mel is a great kid to give present to because she gets so excited. Her gasps and "ooh cool" were so enjoyable.

She was very intent to get every scrap of wrapping paper off of the box before she would open them.

Mel enjoyed Christmas which made it so much more fun for us. The best thing really is having kids on Christmas! I can't wait until next year!

Jasper's favorite spot when presents aren't in the way