The Baby Has Arrived

Colin was curious why they didn't have a baby in the manger but here's to let him know that Baby Jesus has arrived.
 

Santa Trees

I thought these folks were creative in a minimalist way. Three Santa hats and some trees and, voila, you have Christmas decor.
 

Expanded Village

My Christmas village added a new structure this year. I bought a theater years ago because it seemed like an appropriate thing to have in my village but didn't finish it. Hayden was kind enough this year to paint it. The first addition in years. You can see the entire village below.

 

A Modern Nativity

In our modern world, Joseph took over care of baby Jesus during the pageant because he was getting fussy.
 

Patiently Waiting

They waited for the go ahead to start opening gifts. And then the chaos began. Always fun.

 

Christmas 1955

The Morgan Christmas card for 1955. It looks like I ate a persimmon but my hair is certainly bouncy.
 

Merry Christmas Eve

Lower right you can see Adam as a cow and Vala as a donkey in the Christmas Eve pageant. Just the beginning of festivities.

New handprints on the Christmas tree skirt.

Cookie Elves

Grandkids baking cookies for Christmas Eve. First the cutting, then the sprinkles.

And then a reindeer, instead of an elf.

 

Bells Are Ringing

After a four-year hiatus, the Colonial Bell Choir was ringing again. Due to a broken wrist among our small group, we had to bring Holly in from Virginia and our director Hayden had to play. But we rocked it. Some would say it's the Morgan family choir. Thanks to Barry we're not all related.

 

Vacation Memories

I love my new ornaments commemorating our summer trip. The one on the right is Switzerland where we took a red cable car down the mountain. The others are self explanatory. Thanks to Howard for giving them to me early so I could enjoy them this year on the tree.
 

Holiday Reflections

Holiday Reflections at Union Station was a big hit with all the grandkids, especially the train. As Lowell said, let's do it first so we don't miss it.

But other sights and sounds were also fun.

One Step Closer

Colin stayed on the stage for this year's daycare program so next year we are optimistic he will fully participate. He was excited to do it but said he was scared when everyone was looking at him. Last year he wouldn't stay on the stage so that's progress.
 

The Christmas Rose

My major role, 67 years ago to the day, in the Nieman School first grade Christmas program segment "The Christmas Rose." I played Anna who had nothing to give Baby Jesus. Then an angel appeared and then white roses so I took a rose to him. After that illustrious moment my thespian career languished until 1975 when I was in community theater in Parsons.  
 

Storytime Extraordinaire

Colin met a new friend at the library that joined him for storytime. Then we had fun with a roller coaster and bubbles. A great day at Kansas City, MO, Central library.

 

Santa's New Transport

Santa Claus was cruising around in a new Ram 1500. He even had special parking. I like the sentiment on the truck.

 

Music for the Season

We enjoyed Mr. Stinky Feet and the Colonial Choir in concert. It's good to see Hayden singing again. The kids used their instruments to accompany Mr. Stinky Feet.

Mr. Stinky Feet loves to have all the kids jump at the same time and they love it too. Most got up in the air.

 

A Visit to the Fairy Princess

We enjoyed a visit to the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum. Of course, the cookies in the soda shop were a highlight.

 

Larger Than Life

While the legend of Santa Claus looms large, this Santa towers over even the houses behind.
 

Andy Is Watching

We made a donation at the Giving Machine in Union Station while a life-sized cutout of Andy Reid glared at us.
 

Snowmen Portrait

Here we are with the glorious snowmen on Christmas Day 1969. Apparently it wasn't terribly cold. I do wonder who took the photo. Susan is barely visible behind Dad.
 

Big Excavator

Colin quickly found a favorite ride-on toy at the indoor playground. Moms and grandmas had to keep reminding everyone to share. Colin gave it up graciously after his turn.
 

Prairie Fire

I stumbled upon this beautiful painting just west of Mass St. in Lawrence, part of their public art program. It's by Louis Copy and is of a Kansas prairie fire at the Flying W Ranch deep in the Flint Hills.
 

Advent Festival Fun

The annual Advent Festival gave the kids lots of opportunities to make Christmas crafts.

And a visit from Mrs. Claus.

Dust in the Wind

Annual leaf pickup created quite a dust storm.

 

Greatful Cats

Izzy and Bruno love that we brought the outside in for them. It's not a real tree but they still like it. At least they aren't climbing it like previous occupants.