We turn our condo into a Christmas wonderland. Partly for the party, but mostly because we like to enjoy it every day. And by "we" I mean "Tannis".
How many Christmas decorations and ornaments can you put on one table??? Lots!!! But it's never enough.
Goodie bags for our party guest are at the front in the clear star bags.
Garland and lights line the ledge. We like to have the lights on even in the middle of the day. Which is OK because in Vancouver in December, it is often dark outside all day anyways!
Oh my goodness, spoke too soon! What is that bright light shining through the window? I think it is that giant orb they call the sun....
Some of the treats from Bakefest: Toblerone shortbread, whipped shortbread and peanut butter marshmallow squares.
And the most fabulous treat of all: caramel nut pretzels!!! Tannis has to count and keep recounting them to make sure Dylan doesn't demolish them before the guests arrive. If he knows he is accountable he is less likely to make them disappear.
View from our living room window - a Santa party across the back lane!
Ron cuddles Amelia who is modeling the little hat his wife Tena knitted.
Lily and Tena read one of Lily's favourite books. The one that fell in the bathtub when she was reading in the bathroom (see previous post).
The guests who arrive early get to enjoy the sunset out the front window.
Dylan styles Amelia's hair for the photo. A baby faux hawk! Also note the groovy Christmas sockies from Tena. Very festive!
Lily shows off the hat she made at Maggie's (her friend from daycare) birthday party that morning.
Amelia starts doing the rounds...next up, Rita and Mike's laps.
Rod, Zan & Bulent gather 'round the food.
More folks enjoying the goodies.
Mike & Lily have a conversation in the living room.
Auntie Camille helps Lily get ready for bed. The bug is sad to say goodbye to our guests, but has had a long day and is pretty tired.
From fireplace on the left: Shaun, Zan, John, Colleen, Tannis (on floor) Leanne with Amelia, Sarah (on purple chair hiding behind Ken), Ken, Rita, Mike & Bulent (in front of coffee table).
Bulent holds Amelia while Leanne tries to lean out of the picture. She is unsuccessful - I get her!!
Our guests move into the dining room and kitchen, leaving the teddy bear and penguin with the best view in the house :)
Time to say goodbye :)
One final shot of T & D together....the first time this evening :)
Mommy and Meelie. Does baby look tired? We hope so!!! Bedtime for everyone :)
Mommy puts Amelia in the sun so she can get a little Vitamin D.
The next day Amelia gets up on the coffee table in her little blue Bumbo chair. She's not sure about the situation...
...but soon decides it's a pretty nice place to be.
"Hi Mommy! I kinda like it up here."
Sarah and Amelia at her 3rd bookclub. She hasn't read the book, but neither has Mommy so they are both on a level playing field.
Auntie Diana looks after Amelia one day while Mommy is out. Meelie loves her Auntie D!
Meelie chills on the couch while Daddy goes to get a drink.
Lily loans Meelie her Eeyore to help her get to sleep...
On no!! Eeyore tries to escape.
Meelie is concerned that Eeyore isn't coming back, so Lily puts him up so she can reach him. Thank you Lily!
Our neighbours from the building, Rod & Abby, come over for a visit. Amelia is happy sitting on Abby's lap. "Hi Mommy!"
Amelia is still trying to figure out what this little black device is that Daddy keeps pointing at her...
"Oh I get it! I'm supposed to smile. Well, OK then."
Daddy and Meelie watch tv together.
"Whoa, Mommy, I've fallen and I can't get up!"
Meelie discovers her toes!!! She can't find them consistently yet, but if she waves her hands around enough eventually she grabs hold of them.
"Can I have some chili too, Daddy?" Amelia *helps* Daddy in the kitchen. 
