Christmas Begins

A huge snowstorm that pounds us with over 15 inches, so much so that it collapses our football stadium? No biggie. Let’s watch it storm and have our first Christmas of the year!

We celebrated early with Mike’s family this year. It’s always easy and relaxing getting together now that the kids are older and naps, sippy cups, diapers, and bottles are a thing of the past. It was so relaxing in fact that we got there at 10:30 in the morning and didn’t leave until almost 8 that night! It was a little tough getting home (Mike says we wouldn’t have made it if we had still had the minivan) but we barreled our way through the unplowed streets and made it safely home! We were the only ones on the road, and it was evident why! Good thing we don’t live far from each other.

Cindy and Dave

We enjoyed snacks throughout the day and I probably drank a whole pot of yummy egg nog coffee. YUM! We decided it was so much easier to just snack all day than to sit for a whole meal. Good thing we went that route since we were there for basically three meals! We watched Christmas Vacation, opened presents, snacked, and lounged. Perfect conditions if you ask me.

We let the kids open first and they take turns going by age opening and oooo-ing and awwwing. If we didn’t do it this way we would never see what everyone got and it would be a disaster! After they are done, the kids head for downstairs and it’s the adults turn! Again, we take turns and slowly enjoy everyone’s new gifts. I got a couple of great books to read over break (including The Help), and a gorgeous scarf and tote from my favorite store, Ann Taylor Loft (tried to link to these items but they are sold old! Trust me, totally adorable)

Jake……it’s so hard to wait your turn to open!

Actually Jake might just be the most well-behaved 4 year old I know. He waited patiently each time, but doesn’t his face look like he’s in slight pain waiting?

Connor, very serious about his new paper guitar.

This little gem of a machine allows Connor to rock-out LOUDLY to numerous songs. Songs his father likes to listen to. Songs that make the mother cringe and cover her ears.

Noah and his new Twins sweatshirt. He hasn’t taken this thing off since receiving it.

Noah and Brock got the same sweatshirt and they both put them on. They looked like Twins…get it? Twins! Nevermind……

 

Mike and his new fish finder thingy.

Apparently this little number will just plop in the hole and point out all the big walleyes. Mike wanted to purchase this gift for himself about two weeks ago. I had to pretend to “forget” the coupon at home one night when we met him at Perkins for supper. Yeah, didn’t go over well. But, it was worth him being annoyed with me.

Peyton and Macy. So fun to buy girly things for them each year.

I had fun going to the GIRL section of various stores shopping for these two!

Cousins

We hardly see the boys when we get together. They are off playing and being boys. Zach, Noah, and Macy will all be at my school next year. I have been looking forward to that year for a long time! It can’t come quick enough.

Brock and his new shoes that came all the way from China. You should have seen the box.

Brock is at my school this year. It’s so nice to come around the corner and see him smiling and saying hello!

Connor

Corey and Shari

Shari turns the big 4-0 this year on New Year’s Eve so these two are headed to Mexico for a much deserved vacation without their 5 kids! This is the reason we celebrated early this year. Hope they have a blast!!

 

So sweet!

Always willing to pose for his mama.

It was such a great way to spend a stormy day/night.

Thank you Grandma Cindy and Dave for spoiling all of us once again this year! We love you both!

Peace,

LB

*** as a side note, this was the first time I have been happy with my indoor pictures. I did very little editing, which is amazing because I usually do tons of editing of my indoor pictures. I used my speed light and for some reason, it worked nicely. I am sure it was a combination of the amount of light in the room, the distance from my subjects, and the lens I used. Regardless, it made me quite happy I ordered THIS lens with the money my parents give me for Christmas. It’s supposed to help with indoor pictures and creating gorgeous bokeh. I thought it might come this weekend but not even the mailman can get through this amount of snow! Maybe Monday….