Pins Family Christmas

On Saturday we drove out to Gurnee to celebrate with Dick, Judy, Jeff, and Jordyn.  We had fun hanging out, had a nice dinner, and exchanged gifts.  There were a few surprises.  My parents gave Brian and me a trip to Las Vegas.  We are so excited!  We haven't gone on a vacation with just the two of us since our honeymoon 7 1/2 years ago.  This was one of my best Christmases ever.  I really enjoyed all our family get-togethers and seeing Jadon delight in the entire season.  We appreciate all the gifts and money we received.  We are truly blessed in all ways materially and spiritually.  Happy New Year everybody!   

Christmas Day

We went over to Larry and Cindy's house on Christmas day for an elegant dinner.  Leah took a nap while we ate, yes!  After dinner we exchanged gifts.  Jadon received a battery-powered ATV from Keith and Vicki.  Needless to say, it exceeded his wildest dreams.  He and Dylan had fun driving it back and forth in the living room.  It wouldn't be Christmas without some lively gift from Uncle Keith.  One thing that made this Christmas special was having Dale, Nancy, and Avery home from Georgia.  Avery is such a happy, sweet baby and I know her and Leah will have fun together throughout the years.

Christmas Morning

We spent the night at Brant and Amie's house.  I think Leah was anxious to see if Santa had come because she woke up at 4:00 am.  The kids were very excited to see that Santa had eaten all his cookies and left them lots of presents.  They enjoyed opening their presents together and seeing what each other had gotten.  Yes, Jadon got a monster truck for Christmas...a couple...and he loves them all.  

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at Brant and Amie's house with Debra.  We had a Crab dinner and exchanged gifts.  Deb gave us all Christmas pajamas which inspired an all out photo shoot.  The kids set out cookies and milk for Santa and enjoyed hot cocoa by the fire. 

Baby Party

On Monday, my Augie roommates came over for a little Christmas party with their babies.  We had fun catching up with each other and watching our little ones interact.  Since the last get-together, 4 of them learned to sit up, 2 learned to crawl, and 1 was born.   

The Moms

Wendy with Emily 

(8 mo.)

Kim with Carly

(6 mo.)

Libby with Joaquin

(6 mo.)

Amy with Aaron

(2 mo.)

Christmas Parties

This past Tuesday, Jadon had his preschool Christmas party.  It was adorable!  He sang a few songs and presented us with all the Christmas craft projects he's been working on- so precious!  Santa came by for a visit and Jadon was the only one out of the 6 kids in his class willing to sit on Santa's lap.  Last year Jadon was deathly afraid of Santa, so he's come a long way.  He told Santa he wanted a pink Monster truck.  After Jadon's party, we went to Brian's work party at the WalMart D.C.  They had a nice lunch for the families and Santa was there, too.  This time we all got a chance to sit with Santa.  Leah got lots of oohs and ahhs in her Santa Baby outfit.  Christmas will be here in 1 week and we look forward to seeing many of you face to face.  

Ugly Sweater Party

Julie hosted our "Ugly Christmas Sweater Finer Things Dining Engagement Party".  Sarah and Greg recently got engaged (yay!) so we gave them a few special toasts and Julie had prepared a slideshow of their courtship.  We had fun working side-by-side in the kitchen and enjoyed some fine cuisine.  Jeff and Charity led us musically as we worshipped our Lord.  As for the sweater contest, I took that one hands down.  I won for best ugly sweater, Sarah: best earrings, Brian: best pants, Jeff: best boxers, and Jadon: best scary costume.    

Winter Fun

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.  Last Sunday we went to the Kitson tree farm and picked out our tree in the falling snow.  I got to see my friend Kim and her family.  A couple days later we got more snow.  Jadon and I made a little snowman while Leah stood at the front door watching us with a big frown.  I brought her outside when we finished and the kids made snow angels.  I wanted to instruct Jadon on how to do it, but he insisted in his 2 yr. old way that he already knew how.  He proceeded to lay down face first on his tummy.  I got a chuckle out of that.  I had Leah demonstrate and then he got it.  Yesterday we went over to the Johnsons' house and decorated Gingerbread people with them and the Attig family.  This was right up Jadon's alley.  He had fun with this edible project.  

Thanksgiving 2

Brian had to work through Thanksgiving week so he went to his Grandparents house for Turkey dinner.  Just me and the kids went to Gurnee for a couple days and we got to see my parents, Jeff and Jordyn, and Stephanie and her family.  The adults had a lot of fun playing Rock Band and the kids enjoyed the train table.  The kids are getting older and playing together more.  They sat at their own little table for most meals.  It was entertaining hearing them have silly conversations in their own language.  I really missed Brian this trip.  It was hard taking care of the kids by myself.  Stephanie called Leah the human motion detector because any time I walked more than 2 ft. away from her she would cry.  I did get away for a pedicure with Stephanie and some shopping, though, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  

At the Park

We went to the park with the Sacketts for a little fresh air and activity. When we got home the kids warmed up  having hot chocolate with Grandma. 

Thanksgiving 1

This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with Deb and Brant's family.  On Saturday morning we all went to the Festival of Trees parade in Davenport.  It was pretty chilly, but the "minty" hot cocoa kept us nice and warm.  If you've been following our blog for a while, you know we like parades.  That evening Deb prepared a traditional Thanksgiving meal for us.  Yum!  On Sunday we did a massive cookie bake and then divided the cookies 3 ways.  We each have a nice Christmas cookie platter.  I had to keep reminding myself that we were celebrating Thanksgiving (it felt like Christmas).  This year we are particularly thankful for our baby Leah, our new church, Brian's reliable work, and all the fun times we've had with our families this past year.  All our thanks goes to God from whom all blessings flow.