Lil' Dean Fam

We did a lot of really nice things together at home on Christmas Eve.   The boys really enjoyed hanging out with Nana and doing crafts.  Colin, being a goof ball as usual.   Colin and I.  It was so wonderful spending so much time with my husband this break.  He works so many long hours that sometimes I feel like we never see each other.   There were a couple of families that went around caroling on Christmas Eve, despite the very cold weather.  One family has a tradition of playing bells for families.  I totally loved this!  I thought it was the neatest thing ever.  There were six children and the parents.  They just happen to be the Stake president and his family.   After that, Grandpa Bruce read us the Christmas story from Luke.  He did a really nice job keeping it kid-friendly and it brought a lovely spirit to the home before getting the kids ready for bed.   Evan loves his Nana! ...

Lots of yummy, yummy, food was prepared for Christmas celebrations at the Dean household this year.  Bruce made his famous German potato salad, pies, and we had a large cold cuts spread too.  I had a really fun time in the kitchen with Bruce watching him make his pie crusts.  I think I'll give it a try sometime, maybe soon!  Everything was super delicious!   Chocolate pie  The apple pie  Oh, he also made lemon pound cake.   Fresh berries Salmon and cream cheese

I became a little obsessed with the tree the Dean's had decorated. I just absolutely loved the way it looked.  They had four poinsettia garlands running around it and it really brought out all of the sliver and gold on the tree.  All of the ornaments had a story to tell, and that's what I like in a Christmas tree too!  Bruce "hid" this necklace for Karen in plain sight because she's known for snooping for Christmas presents.  There's a story I've hear about their first Christmas together.  Bruce had bought her a beautiful piece of artwork in a frame.  She was worried that she wouldn't like it so she peeked and to her surprise, she really loved it.  So, she had to pretend to be surprised on Christmas day.  I love this turtle pendant he picked out for her.   The Washington DC LDS temple.   A Hawaiian Santa and Mrs. Claus.  I love this one!  Bruce spends a lot of time in Hawaii so he's always bringing home cute li...

We took the boys down to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  I just love going there, I think it is one of the best aquariums in the nation.  I love how the building is designed, inside and out, and the sea life and animals are all really neat to see and interact with.  The boys had a great time and we all enjoyed watching them take it all in.  Thanks Bruce and Erin for going with us!  some times he's in the mood to pose