I think this Christmas may have been my favorite of all Christmases! Not because I got some fabulous gifts or because it snowed, but because of this picture right here. Our family was all together for Christmas for the first time since...well, I can't remember when exactly. Don't get me wrong - we get together for a couple days here and there AROUND the holidays, but this year we were together for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, plus a few extra! Not much quiet with 8 grandkids in the mix, but there was definitely an abundance of peace! Our God is in the business of growing and maturing us if we continue to trust Him to do so and it was a joy to see how He's been at work in all of us!
Everybody came in Wednesday night and it didn't take the kids any time to pick up right where they left off. We ordered Johnny's because that's a must when Ben and Lee are in town! The first night ended with a bang when Lee got Jonah to announce to the whole room that he and Lindsey were going to have a BABY!!!! We thought this day would never come. Lee...a baby? Can you say shock? For those of you who know Lee, you know what I'm talking about! Wonders never cease. Needless to say, we are all thrilled and are hoping for a girl because we are seriously outnumbered in this family!!
Thursday was a beautiful, but chilly day. Emma, Sam and Joe enjoyed jumping on the trampoline. Elijah and Asher wanted to see where there dad and Uncle Lee played baseball growing up, so the rest of the boys headed to Osterland to play a game! It looks like they had a blast! That night we had a Mexican feast with fajitas, salsa, guacomole, and sopapilla cake...so darn good.
On Christmas Eve, our little family went to Walter's mom's to spend the morning with her. We had a delicious breakfast, opened gifts and played an intense game of Rummicub (oldie, but a goodie)! That evening, we all went to the Christmas Eve service at Crossroads, then to Erin and Zach's for a Christmas Eve Feast!! She really outdid herself! Everything tasted so good, but my favorite part was the hot chocolate bar! The kids had a blast coloring and ended the night with a crazy dance party! As you can see, they were worn out on the ride home!
Christmas day was filled with opening presents, eating, laughing, playing monopoly, going to the movies and, of course, ...more eating!
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| Jonah's bearded dragon...Ben's face says it all!! |
On Sunday, we ended the week with my sweet baby girl's first birthday party! Thanks to Shauna, Lindsey and Erin for all your help. I went with a "cookies and milk" theme and I think it turned out to be just adorable! It was a great way to finish our time together...by celebrating life!
