First, we celebrated Uncle Mark's birthday at Grandma's house.
Taylor and Grace made a special slide show for him showcasing all the reasons we love Uncle Mark.
Morgan took advantage of the captive audience by performing some dance moves after the slide show.
We attended another birthday party this month for our one-year old friend, Gillian. My friend snapped this photo of me and the kids.
Here's my little stinker modeling for me while I set up for a photo shoot.
Taylor went to an AHG lock in at school. Her grandmama was generous to take her and to take pictures!
We tried something new this year. We attended the Christmas Parade in Lebanon.
This parade is unique because it is comprised completely of horse drawn carriages.
Here's some quick shots I took of my sweet girls playing together. They like to pretend that they are dance teachers.
They must have worn themselves out because I found them later snuggling in Taylor's bed watching a show on the iPad.
Elfie joined our household again this month. The children decided to entice him with candy and homemade houses. Here's the one the girls made:
Charlie decided to get on the action by writing Elfie this letter.
He left a trail of candy that led to this "Happy Forest".
The kids performed in another Christmas recital at school this year.
I attended their christmas parties on the last day of school. I led a craft for Taylor's party and read a story at Charlie's party.
Our first family celebration was with Grandmama.
Morgan was so thrilled to get the Easy Bake Oven she'd been coveting.
We put it to use the next day.
Charlie utilized his Little Bits toy by making this car to deliver Grace's birthday card.
I like the way Grace protected her birthday cake from her siblings.
Since the children couldn't decide on decorating Christmas cookies or a gingerbread, we did both!
Morgan surprised me with this Frozen tattoo the day before Christmas Eve. I knew it would be in all of our photos, but couldn't really be angry. It was beautifully done after all, thanks to big sister Taylor!
On Christmas Eve morning, the Wells, Gevers and Grandma came over. Morgan entertained them with a book while I cleaned up breakfast.
Then I bribed them with a few photos before opening gifts.
I knew Aunt Julie would be excited to get an OU sweatshirt of her own since she's never had one.
(See the tattoo?)
Somehow I missed the opportunity to take photos of our Christmas Eve evening celebration with Grandpa, but we had a wonderful time eating dinner, opening gifts and enjoying each other's company.
Finally, the day Morgan had been counting down with her paper constructed chain all month arrived- Christmas Morning! I told the kids that they could wake us up at 8am. Morgan pounced in our room at 8:02 shouting "It's time! It's time!" We always start by opening our stockings.
Then I take a photo every year of me with my kiddos on Christmas morning.
I love opening presents on Christmas morning, because unlike other gift openings throughout the season, we always take our time and open them one at a time. Santa brings three gifts for each child, and mom and dad give 1-2. They also spend their own money to buy gifts for each other. Here's a few highlights:
I took this family photo before church by pushing all the presents and wrapping paper just out of the frame. It's probably my favorite family photo in a long time.
After church we had a couple hours to play and relax before heading over to the Wells house for the Damon Family Christmas. I snapped this photo for Jessica.
Here's our group this year.
We started a new tradition with the women this year by doing a sock exchange. We filled our socks with goodies and did a white elephant exchange.
It's always fun when people 'steal' each other's gifts.
We had such fun with this and I'm sure we'll continue the tradition next year.
I know I've written it many times in the history of this blog, but December 26th is my favorite day of the year. Last year we started a new tradition by declaring it Pajama Day. We put all our names in a hat and take turns choosing a person to pick the activity for all of us to do.
First up was Taylor. She chose Reverse Charades, a game Grandma and Grandpa from KY gave to the family.
Then Daddy chose Taylor's new Bananagram game.
Morgan's choice was playing a game called Headbandz.
After a brief lunch break, it was my turn to choose. I picked Wii bowling.
Finally, Daddy picked the game Clue.
Then Morgan and Taylor decided to make us some cupcakes using her Easy Bake Oven.
We don't particularly like leaving the house on Pajama Day, but we made an exception this year and finished off the day with dinner at Skyline. (Notice that I let Charlie keep his PJs on.)
The days following christmas were very similar. We enjoyed staying in and playing with our new toys. Morgan's donut maker was quite fun.
I decided to snap some photos of our decorations before they disappear for another year.
We did venture out one day to swim at the YMCA.
Finally the last day of the year arrived. For years now my mother has courageously invited all her grandchildren over to celebrate New Year's Eve with her. She lets them stay up until midnight and bang pots and pans outside to celebrate the new year. It's one of my children's favorite holiday traditions.
Mark and I take advantage of the kid-free night to celebrate with this amazing group of friends each year.
It's always a fun night.
I started thinking about the children's tradition of make noise outside at midnight and decided it sounded quite fun. When else do you get to go outside and shout in celebration at midnight? So I talked Mark and my friend, Sarah, into bringing our noisemakers outside.
When people asked me about my christmas I realized that overall it felt quite relaxing. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it's because my youngest is five. Maybe it's because I made a conscious effort not to get wrapped up with unimportant aspects of the holiday. All I know is that this Christmas was one of peace, love and joy. And for that, I'm so grateful!
Merry Christmas, everyone!!
And here's to a happy and healthy 2016!!
