The holidays are always a crazy time of year for our family. This year we attended 4 extended family celebrations and had our own "family" Christmas at home with the kids. It equals out to a lot of food, a lot of presents, a lot of traveling, and a lot of fun!
Our tree at home with the presents underneath. This year the kids opened their presents on Christmas Eve morning. They were so excited to wake up to presents under the tree. This year we did not act out the events of Jesus's birth, but we did read from the bible and explain to the children that we give presents at Christmas time because God gave us the greatest present of all - baby Jesus.
I wrapped the bikes in blankets...not very creative.
We try to stick to giving our kids three presents because that is what Jesus got when he was born. We typically follow the something you want, something you need, and something to read rule. This year it worked out that they all got 5 presents to open since I "encouraged" them "buy" presents for each other as well. The big gifts were new bikes for Gabe and Avery and a fish tank for Cael!
My mom got Luke a talking preacher bear...it is seriously cute and funny and is something all the kids play with on a daily basis. The bear talks and gives 5 minute sermon about how God made each child and how the children are so loved.
Christmas at my parents house was very different this year. My brother and his family moved to Brazil and so it seemed very quiet without three extra kids buzzing around. We really missed Scott, Tami, and the boys but we were so thankful that we could Skype them on Christmas day.
Gabe is trying to get his ears to wiggle like Great Grandpa Wayne's ears
Great Grandma Arlene ready to eat Christmas dinner...my mom had her dining room table looking so pretty. After dinner we attended Christmas Eve service at my parents church and then spent some time playing games at my aunts house.
The boys playing with "Noah" the bear in the morning
On Christmas morning we headed over to a tree farm near my parents house that has reindeer. The kids loved feeding the deer apples.
Since the weather was so warm we took the kids over to the lake's dam to run up and down the ginormous hill to burn off some energy. I thought I would run up and down hill a couple to burn off some holiday calories!
We joked that despite all the new toys back at my parents house the kids preferred playing on the fence ropes by the dam.
The day after Christmas we drove up north and celebrated with Kopishke's. This is probably the kid's most anticipated celebration for our kids because they get to stay in a hotel, swim, and play with a bunch of cousins.
The crew playing cards while the kids were swimming.
A bunch of cousins working on crafts
Meet Greg. Greg is Corbin's uncle. He is a wonderful man and Avery adores him. Greg is officially wrapped around Avery's little finger as he gave her two dollars simply because she asked if he had any money that he would like to give her! We thought about making her return the cash, but I think they both had fun with their little secret.
I failed to take the camera to a couple of celebrations, but it is apparent that this season was overflowing with love, joy, family, and countless blessings.
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