the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Yesterday, the long-awaited, much-anticipated annual package from Gram and Gramps came in the mail. Since we average a new baby each year (2004, 2005, & 2008!), this package usually includes the following items:

1. Jay's birthday present

2. Jay's annual Hess truck (which the kids are not allowed to touch and they never understand why. Neither do I, but apparently the Hess truck is for looking at only.)

3. Chocolate Advent calenders (those are exactly as big of a hit as you can imagine...and then some)

"Can we eat these NOW?"

(10 seconds later) "NOW can we eat these?"

"Is it December? Then why can't we eat these NOW?"

This goes on and on and on until they can actually eat them...then they start asking about tomorrow's piece.

4. New Baby Stocking...a.k.a. FINAL baby stocking!

Mmmm....more food. Thanks, Gram!

Christmas 2008: The year our mantel was complete.

Good thing S-A-N-T-A has 5 letters! 5 letters...5 Allison's. Now we really can't have any more children!

THANKS GRAM!