Christmas Vacation

Other than traveling a lot over Christmas weekend, we have had a low-key Christmas break. The kids have enjoyed playing with Sophie, their new toys, the Wii, and watching movies.

Ice Skating and Flemings

My parents treated the kids to their first ice skating lesson. They learned to fall on their "squishy tushies" and act like a cat to get back up. It was cute watching them on the ice for the first time, and the 3 older ones really got the hang of it. Leah struggled a bit. Then we stayed for free skate. It was so fun! We discovered that Claire is a natural. That evening, the adult children enjoyed our fun activity, going out for a nice dinner while my parents watched the kids. We had good conversation and lots of laughs. All in all, it was a great Christmas, thanks to our families. We love you all!

Pins Christmas

On Christmas night we arrived in Gurnee in time to hang out for a while and have pie before the kids went to bed. When they did, us adults had our gift exchange. My mom planned a fun white elephant game with nice gifts, that got a little competetive. Again, we were blessed with very generous gifts. We are so thankful for such wonderful families.

Christmas with the Jones'

We went to Larry and Cindy's house for Christmas dinner and gift exchange. Now that the kids run off and play relatively nicely by themselves, we were able to sit and have a nice visit. Everyone gave very generous gifts and we feel so blessed.

Christmas Morning

The last couple years, we have really enjoyed having Christmas morning at home so Jadon and Leah can enjoy the whole Santa experience. The kids actually slept in til almost 8 this year and came downstairs to find their gifts. After opening those and playing for a while we had monkey bread. Then Brian and I exchanged gifts, and afterwards we noticed a few last presents under the tree. The kids were surprised and excited to get a Wii from Santa, especially Jadon.

Christmas Eve 2011

On Christmas Eve night, we went to church and then headed over to Deb's house. She prepared a nice ham dinner and after that we had a gift exchange. The kids received some nice book bags loaded with books and activities, along with some fun toys like boxing gloves. For dessert, we had a yule log cake. Thanks for a nice Christmas celebration, Deb!

Polar Express at the Putnam

The Thursday before Christmas, the kids and I met up with Deb, Brant, Amie, Kylie, and Dylan at the Putnam for their Polar Express Pajama Party. Before the movie, we did some crafts and enjoyed the hot chocolate and cookie bar. Then we watched the movie in 3-D on the big IMAX screen. It was so good! Afterwards, we explored the musuem with flashlights. The kids had so much fun playing and we all had a great night!

Crab Leg Dinner

In keeping with tradition, Deb prepared a wonderful crab leg dinner for the family. She gave all the kids and grandkids new jammies. Thank you Deb!

Hors Deurves Party

Chandler is such a good baby!

Dale and Nancy came to town this past weekend to celebrate Christmas with the Jones Family. Vicki and Keith hosted a party at their house on Sunday. We had lots of fun hors deurves and time to catch up with one another. The kids had a blast running around and playing with the cardboard castle, the slot machines, and the dogs. We celebrated Dan's birthday and exchanged Christmas gifts. The highlight of the day is when Brant proposed a special toast and surprised everyone with the news that they are expecting their 3rd child! What a special family day.

School/Work parties

At Leah's school Christmas Party, they ate a reindeer snack and played reindeer games. Leah adores her teacher, Mrs. Mekeel, and has so much fun at school.

That evening we went to Brian's work party. The kids sat on Santa's lap and decorated sugar cookies. We all enjoyed a nice meal and just spending a little extra time together.

Cookie Making Day 2011

This year I hosted the Cookie Making Extravaganza. Even though we have a small house, I think it went really well. We worked from 8am-9:30pm and made tons of cookies. The kids helped a lot, when they weren't chasing the cat.