Christmas Excitement (and craziness)

This year, the holiday seemed to come fast and furious, and boy did I not feel prepared. Work has been absolutely insane, I got sick the week before, and trying to prepare for the holiday with two kids was definitely different from last year when I had more time off with maternity leave and Andrew available for 4+ weeks. But it was all worth it watching the kids tear into wrapping paper, to see Mason's eyes of surprise Christmas morning and being able to spend time with family.

Mason was really into the spirit this year, loving to sing Christmas Carols in the car, searching for Ernie the Elf each morning, helping with decorating, and just generally getting excited about seeing Sanata and preparing for his arrival. His special request from Santa this year was a blue guitar with cowboys and horses on it. Santa partially delivered on a guitar with cowboys and horses on it. The blue was a little hard to find.

Here are a few of the holiday highlights:

Hanging out at Sams' - pre Xmas

The boys - and their smores kits from Papa C

The girls (plus one and minus one)

Mason and his new luggage

Xmas Eve - About the best family shot we could get

Papa and Grandma G - kids did not want to cooperate

Xmas dad - with all Johnsen boys (Andrew, Matt, Nick, Erik, Jerry, Chuck, Arne, Mason, Jim and Michael)

The girls (and one boy) - Bree, Barb, Jan, Me, Mary, Stephanie, Mason

Mason with Cousin Mattie and Bree (Mason loves Bree)

Mason and Grandma Barb

Helping Aunt Stephanie make whip cream