Dec 26th, 27th, and 28th.

Last Christmas post! Then I'll feel caught up and can blabber on and on about other whathaveyous in our life.

The morning of the 26th we had church. Brynn and I stayed home because she said her stomach hurt and spent a little time near the toilet... I didn't want to risk it after the Christmas Layla and I just had! That night we went back to church for an evening Christmas/baptism service (she ended up being fine all day so we all went at night).
It was a fun service (yes, I said "fun". Our church is FUN!) But even better than fun, my little brother got baptized! He would be less than thrilled that I'm broadcasting it on my blog (he never even tell our parents! I did so they could be there! This is the kid that won't open gifts in front of us, he doesn't like attention!), but I'm proud of him so I'm doing it anyway.

The 27th we had Christmas at my grandfather's. ALL the kids were W.I.L.D. But they had a good time playing together and singing songs with Andy :)





The 28th we had (finally) our last Christmas for the year with the biggest side of my family! Exceptionally enjoyable game of Dirty Santa, even if Debbie did ruin my life my stealing that cross necklace from me! ;) LOTS of cousins for the kiddos to play with that they never really get to see. Good times.



:That would be HALF of the room:




All in all, we had a fantastic season. Smoother than ever (although we are still recooperating. I seriously believe that's why Nathan and I got sick (fluish) again this week... our bodies are DONE). Glad to have today (New Year's Day) to do nothing. I can't even remember the last time we were home all day with nothing to do. Feels goooood.

Dec 25th-2

After Santa, we headed to my in-laws to have Christmas with Nathan's extended family and another yummy breakfast (I could seriously eat that whole pan of hashbrown casserole).



Another game of Dirty Santa- Brynn decided to make herself designated gift opener for everyone there! And wasn't it Pap that ended up with the neck trimmer?! (That I may or may not have brought....) His neck should be looking more slim in no time. Or 3-4 weeks.






These two make QUITE a pair!


We left there and headed to my mom's... games first while we wait on Uncle B and family! Who knew my 6-yr-old would be that good at Apples2Apples?! (Have to tell this story: Once when I was judge, the word was "Unforgettable". After I chose my favorite card, Layla Paige revealed she had played Men In Black... "You didn't pick Men In Black?! Men in Black is unforgettable! How could anyone forget Cale?!" Oh my word.



Food and gifts galore.


Here's the problem with all the house-hopping. It's not the here to there, it's not the roads, it's a little bit the loading and unloading all day long, but it's most the FOOD. We eat all.day.long! But it's always the most irresistble things, you can't pass them by. And it's Christmas!




We finished up at mom's and got back on the icy road to go BACK to the in-laws for Christmas with the immediate family. Ate a little more. And played more games :)







It was a little insane, but much more controllable than year's past and MUCH more enjoyable. We were exhausted, but not stressed! That's a big improvment!

Dec 25th-1

CHRISTMAS!!!

Jolly Old St.Nick came to our house :) He didn't leave a whole lot, but it doesn't take much to make people happy in this house! ha.

He even left Oakley a little something.

The kids slept until 7am (whoop whoop) before stumbling out to see what was under the tree. Because Santa is smart, he brought the twins new booster seats (no more convertible seats! whoop whoop).

Layla was THRILLED to see her unicorn Pillow Pet, ("This is all I wanted! Well, that and an iCarly iPod and a Holiday Barbie.") What is it about those things!? Whatever it is, they love them. And it may have broken Brynn's habit of dragging her pillow all over this house with her. Her hippo stays on her bed to "play" until she comes to sleep.



There were a few surprises, of course. We weren't allowed to have toy guns when I was growing up, but it firearms are obviously a big part of Nathan's life and he's already started teaching our kids about firearm safety so, Little Man got a (plastic) rifle. And he LOVES it. He wasn't interested in looking at anything else he got.




Brynn had her purse on her arm, sunglasses on, cellphone in hand within minutes. "Cinderella, I TOLD you I would call you back!".



They were are so excited. It's so much fun to watch!!

We got to play for about 30 mins before we had to get ready to head out for the day!



He was so happy with his Moose :)


Fixing Sissy's hair with her new salon set! (Ignore half-naked Nathan. Please.)