12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Nine

Christmas, 1984
(or maybe 1983)
Patti and I are pretty sure Cole is 2 1/2 and I am 5 1/2 in this photo, however, Cole's hair was long enough to put in pigtails when he was 18 months old, so it could be the year before. However, Patti is pretty sure we were in different outfits that year.
I love this photo! My Papa took it of us in front of the fireplace at my Nana's house. I like it in black and white, and I like how excited we are look for Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Eight

Christmas, 1988-present

In fourth grade, we made ornaments for our parents by sticking toothpicks in a Styrofoam ball, and then our teacher flocked them white. It was always a delicate (and ugly) little thing, but hey, it was the class project. I did not make the design up, and then make it myself. I was told to make it and give it to my parents. However, over the years, it got the nickname, "Sputnik" (you know after the Russian satellite) and has slowly gotten uglier and uglier as it has fallen apart and been reassembled. It is my family's favorite ornament to laugh about every year when we decorate the tree. This one little ornaments has caused us hours of amusement, and countless jokes. This year I put it front and center on my parents' tree. Also, someone bought a red cousin for "Sputnik" a few years ago to go along with my original. I am also posting a picture of the real Sputnik for a reference.

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Seven

Christmas, 2006

Dalan's adorable Grandma and Grandpa Sweat.
We would go up there on Christmas Eve, have homemade pizza, and exchange white elephant gifts. His grandma loved Christmas so much, and would always plan fun games and activities.

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Six

Christmas, 2007
Highlights: 1. Piper and me at our old house, sitting by the tree. 2. Ali, McKay, Dalan and me on Christmas Eve with our jammies. I have a picture, with Cole, but she who shall not be named is in it, so I decided to skip it. 3. The Carsellers on Christmas Eve. 4. The Carlson kids on my Nana's on Christmas day.

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Five

Christmas, 1992
Ali is almost three, and adorably steals the show in these pictures!

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Four

Christmas, 1989
My cousin, Ben, slept over and spent Christmas morning with us, my mom was 8 and half months pregnant with Ali, and I got an awesome clear phone for my bedroom! It was so cool! As were all of our robes!

12 Days of Christmas Photos Day Three

Christmas, 1974
My beautiful mama!