Santa's wall and Martino's teacakes

It's become a tradition of sorts for Santa Claus to barricade the kids (and maybe Peter and I too?) out of the living room after visiting our home Christmas Eve night. The kids excitedly talk about how they wonder "if he will do it again this year" and "how he will create it this time". Well, on Christmas '09, Santa didn't disappoint. In fact, he surpassed his work in the past.! Brandon liked it so much, he snapped a few pictures of it. This one turned out the best......

BEHOLD...the Great Built-By-Santa Wall at the Hartung's

For as long as I'm remembering at the moment, Martino's teacakes have been an integral part of life amongst the larger Hartung clan. My mil's best friend NANCY introduced them to the group years ago. Usually, they'd be the treat to be had whenever she came from Burbank to visit. Then, sometime more recently, she started mailing them to our respective locations instead of waiting until we were all together again. As if Nancy wasn't already quite popular with me and my bunch! ...BTW, teacakes are had at any time of the year, but we know we can count on a box of them at Christmastime......

Missy in a teacake trance

Peter in his teacake zone

the boys showing off their teacake passion

P.S. I enjoy a teacake every now and then, but personally, I can pass on them. (SHOCKING, I know.!) Over the years, I've learned that I'd rather my calories go to some other deliciously fattening treat. My Christmas isn't Christmas without a cinnamon roll (or 6) and an orange roll (or 4). Maybe, just maybe, I can talk Nancy into finding a few of those for me for next Christmas. ;-) Then I won't eat as as many as I usually do. Yeah! That's good reasoning, right?

P.P.S. Brandon came in 10 minutes ago and asked, "who's Martino"? i said he's the guy who 'makes' the teacakes. he was genuinely shocked. "those are Nancy's. Nancy makes them!" i explained that Nancy gets them from Martino's Bakery, and he didn't believe me for a few seconds. ...Nancy, you had Brandon convinced they were your handiwork!! :) maybe he won't be as excited next special delivery from you now that he knows the real story....hahaha! totally kidding.