It's Christmastime at the Duke Home

Michael and I were both giddy to be home for Christmas with just our little family. He spent hours on this dollhouse that we both designed, and had a lot of fun doing it.  Amazingly, we kept it a secret from Alyssa for weeks.

I started painting it, then decided the colors were too dark.

My parents came a few days before Christmas bearing gifts.  I asked my mom to make my kids silky blankys like mine (they were always stealing mine)

they. were. thrilled!

Cali is loving the ipod with music on it. So cute to watch her walk around listening intently.

For years, I have been craving Sister Hogan's Christmas tree bread she made for our family growing up.  I called her and got the recipe and the weird instructions and set out to bake them.

pretty cute, though my bread was a bit tough.

the steps michael made for the dollhouse were very time consuming and quite spectacular.  he did a great job.

Christmas Eve in their jammies

very hyper and excited

I got these singing toys for Cali knowing she would love them, but the big kids like them a lot, too.

Alyssa found some wings...

love this shot, she loved to hold the singing toy to her face

love the laughter here.

Christmas morning, waiting for Cali to wake up. I do NOT believe in going out before 7.

they waited fairly patiently...

Michael went to get Cali eventually.

then we let 'em loose...

the big wheels is a pretty cool toy that a kid on our street has and we thought it would be a fun family gift

michael got me a giant spoon to match my fork

Matthew gave me a really sweet coupon book.

Alyssa had been loving Tyler's woopie cushion, but couldn't find one to give to her, so he gave her his. She was thrilled!

alyssa wanted to get her dad a texas shirt....hmmm...

Cali loves this ball toy...maybe a little too much

the gratitide was or'flowing

Michael was pretty surprised at the big gift I got him.

Cali discovered bubble wrap.

Alyssa was happy with the rubber band guns michael carved for all of them

Cali liked her new "di" or shoes. They are sadly a bit big for now.

Red Rider B.B. Gun.  I planned to get it after we saw it at a store a few weeks before, he had no idea until Alyssa spilled the beans, though he pretended not to hear.

who says big wheels are just for kids?  Michael actually dented the wall in our hallway riding this.  nice.

tyler and his loot

at the very end, we brought out the BIG dawg and alyssa covered her entire face

needless to say, she was pretty excited

love this shot

cali trying to climb in.

we got the boys a Razor wheely thing

alyssa and her stuff

matthew

pocket knife (both boys got one) and pokemon ds game were favorites

cali's stuff, i think she was napping (notice the photo album on left, I made for each kid)

It was actually a little chilly that day.

we got some furniture to go in the house as well

It was a really really great day.