Santa makes a surprise visit.

Our niece, Savannah with Santa and one of the puppies.
Santa with Ben's parents new puppies, Chester and Charlie.

Santa getting ready to pass out presents.

This past weekend Ben and I hosted his family for a Christmas gathering and Santa made a surprise visit and passed out presents to everyone. Our 3 year old niece, Savie, was so excited and was a great helper. Ben and I even got gifts! He received a new set of drill accessories and I received some new ornaments that I quickly hung on our tree.

Holiday Party at the Cook's House

We've made lots of annual traditions with our friends and Christmas dinner is just one of them. Here is all of us celebrating the holidays at the Cook's House. Ben and I

The Cook's House is pretty tiny so we rented the whole place out just for ourselves. The Cook's House is already our favorite place to eat and as always, we were treated to great food and service.

All of the boys enjoying some wine.

Ben and I feel so fortunate to have such a great group of friends in Traverse City. 2009 was so much fun and we look forward to many more memories in 2010 and beyond!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

Lately, I have been feeling very creative so I made candle lanterns seen here. I printed some Christmas sayings on normal white paper, wrapped it around into a cylindar, then tied with a ribbon. I think it looks great next to my favorite picture of Ben and I lit by candles.

I also felt the need to bake-which is a rarity in our house. So Christmas cookies it was! Here are the finished cookies with homemade frosting. I also tried something a little different with the gingerbread men. I melted chocolate then sprinkled them with crushed candy canes. Yum!

Ben even got involved by decorating some cookies.

Proof I am cooking.

cut out sugar cookies, Ben's favorite

Our Christmas tree.

The table all decorated....thanks Mom for the tablecloth.

Stockings and Nativity Scene