Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve with the cousins. Shaun's brothers Chad, Mike and their family's joined us for Christmas. We all had a great time together. Christmas Eve we went to the church and played kickball & volleyball, afterwards we had a nice dinner.  After that we allowed the kids to open one present, (which you would think would ease the excitement and they would go right to sleep. We can dream big, right?) Later we read the Christmas story and sang songs together with Chad playing the piano. Then we sent the kiddos to bed (several times.)  

Christmas morning we let the children get up at 4:30am because Shaun was flying to Idaho to help his dad move out here.  The kids were happy about that.  After a few naps we went to a matinee and saw  "Bedtime Stories"   We had a good Christmas, we loved being with family.

Our family drew names and were given the assignment to hand-make  a gift. It was fun to see what they came up with.  

Dad made Shem P.J. pants

Mom made Isabelle a princess crown

Shem made Hannah P.J. pants

Dan drew Sarah a picture of a girl holding a dog.

Sarah made Aleena a scarf

Hannah made Dan a reading pillow

Aleena made Dad chocolate peanut butter balls

Isabelle drew Mom a picture with a note for her, Mom, & Dad to go to lunch.

Frosting cookies for Santa

We had a big to do around here for the past month or so, Daniel was given the lead roll in his Drama class.  He played Ebenezer Scrooge.  He worked hard and did a wonderful job.  Needless to say we were very proud parents.   On the same night Shem had a debate and his team won that so we were doubly proud.