Ah Norman, you got it all wrong

A Norman Rockwell Christmas - come on, we all strive for it. We all envision it. We all imagine the perfect tree, the children beautifully dressed and well mannered, a delicious meal with all the trimmings coming together at the exact right moment, etc. You know what I'm talking about. And yet, how often does that vision really happen? Um, yeah, never. But the moments of imperfection are the ones I think I'll remember in the long run...

Gingerbread House in the making

Well on the way to perfection

10 minutes later when the thing collapsed and we let the boys have at it

Happy Boy

Very Happy Boy

Our snowman lost his nose and one of his eyes, and broke his arm

Happy as can be in Santa's lap, until Mom backed up to take the picture, then all hell broke loose. I promise I didn't force my son into this picture! He was actually quite excited just 1 minute prior!

"Well if Holden's not doing it, neither am I!"

"NEVER again Mommy!"

"Back it up lady, no more pics!"