The Bickley Blog: "We wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Well, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and all that other good stuff... This holiday season we, once again, ventured out to Rhoads Tree Farm, in Circleville, OH, to get our Christmas tree. For those of you that remember, that's where Bickley and I got engaged December 5, 2004. This year Bickley proved what a stud he really was by cutting down our Christmas tree all on his own...no chainsaw for this lumberjack. After we got our tree home, Euchre declared the tree skirt as his home, and, of course, the tree and its ornaments - and especially candy canes, as his new toys/treats. Check out the pics below of him enjoying the candy canes he managed to "free" from the tree.

While in Pittsburgh to celebrate the holidays we decided to finally grant Emily's request and take a ride on the incline in Pittsburgh. Even though it was a somewhat bitter night, the view is always beautiful from Mt. Washington. My parents joined us for the fun night out.

On the 23rd we celebrated Christmas with Emily and Greg. Christmas tree pic. take 1. Not too shabby for two children who were mostly "nice" this year.

Emily was excited about her new office/desk chair. Greg was also smiles about his bike, several video games, Steelers jersey, Under Armour, tickets to the Blue Jackets game and more.

We would have never guessed that some scary movies and a Vera Bradley purse would bring such a big smile to Emily's face. We're glad that it did, though.

Jeff looked on as the kids enjoyed unwrapping their gifts for their captive audience.

Christmas tree pic. take 2.

Christmas day the "adults" opened their gifts, enjoyed some of Mom's nut kuchen, and each other's company. Trouble and Keno enjoyed their presents, too, especially those infused with catnip.

Jaime and Josh

We also celebrated Carrie's birthday; she's our Christmas baby. Happy Birthday, Carrie! Dad also enjoyed several train store gift certificates. I knew there was a way to get him out to Columbus!

Christmas Eve we had our traditional Ukranian Christmas Eve dinner, this year hosted by Aunt Jeanne. She's quite the little hostess!

What would holiday pics. be without Aunt Jonelle working her little tail off in the kitchen. Josh and Uncle Rich relax after dinner and Nathan and John Michael chill out as well.

Little Bobby is all smiles for presents and Rachel gets to take over Uncle Rich's tradition of tickling the bejeezus out of one of his nieces. Amen, that my turn is over!

Juliann and Rachel are all dolled up for the holidays and the entire "Cybak clan" smiles for a pic. We're excited to have some new additions to our family - Bickley, Emily, Greg, and (soon) Jaime and our baby boy (due May '08).