Christmas Eve

Our wonderful neighbors the Mannings invited us and other neighbors over for a tamale dinner on Christmas Eve. The food was excellent, and so was the company. The kids all had a lot of fun--Maddy especially enjoyed getting to play with their son Henry. It was another reminder of how fortunate we are to be a part of this neighborhood and specifically this street.

Another neighbor, Karin, made a gingerbread house for the Mannings for the holidays. Of course, Emmy would have to head straight for it and be the first to snatch a candy cane. At least she took it from the back though. It could have been a lot worse. I also got some loaves of challah from Karin. It was absolutely the best bread I have ever eaten. We had one for our house for Christmas, and I took another to my mom when we visited her.

Here are some pictures from the evening. Some are a little dark, but hopefully you can see them.

Here are Emmy and me stuffing our faces with chips and salsa.

The irresistable gingerbread house

Planning her attack

Joseph, Maddy, and Henry just before they got the ok to take things off the house.

Jack kept Emmy entertained.
Our hosts, Anastasia and David
Anastasia, Karin, me, and Karen