New Year's in CO

We were so happy to spend some time with the Hubby's side of the family.  I apologize for not taking very many pictures, but we had a relaxing wonderful time.  We played games, went sledding, watched movies and had good food.

The kids loving playing at Nana and Papa's and we broke out all the good stuff :)

These boys have so much fun together; every time we are able to be together is so special.

Sister gets a little spoiled :)  She got a crown and a tutu, and the pink sparkly dress in the picture above.  After watching some priceless family video Aunt K went and found the original and Sister has been happily wearing it ever since.

Christmas 2012

We did Christmas different this year and I am very happy with how it turned out.  Santa brought four gifts for each of us (well, except me, but you will see why :) ) and filled the stockings.  During the month we focused a great deal on Jesus, that he is more important than Santa, but Santa helps us think of Jesus.  We talked about symbols a lot and that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday.  Thankfully, our children didn't seem to miss the extra presents  It was the most simple and unstressful Christmas.

Daddy and Santa were able to work together to get me a piano!!  Although it is electric, it is just right for us right now.  It is nice to be able to turn the volume down and practice while Sister is sleeping and Brother is at school.  There are recorded pieces on it and the kids love to turn the buttons on and listen to the music while they play.  I didn't allow myself to miss having a piano because that is how things had to work out, but I am so grateful to have one in our home :)

 I didn't take any pictures, but we had a brunch at our house.  I was so happy to have our family squeezed into every available space!

Grandpa had to work Christmas Day so we went over in the evening for more present opening.

Auntie B and M got tablets and were not excited at all . . . .

Grandma got a new toy as well :)  It was kind of funny how the Hubby was consulted most of the electronic presents and we used each other's houses to help in the secrecy.

The picture didn't turn out well and the box I grabbed ended up being brownies instead of cake, but I think the general idea came across.  I wanted to reinforce again that it was Jesus' birthday.  The kids were talking all month about how we would be having cake for His birthday.

This is a random one, but had to include it too.  I think they were looking at the dogs.

So in case you didn't pick up on it, we had a wonderful holiday season.  I really felt that Thanksgiving prepared us to have a meaningful Christmas, I'm so grateful for this special time of year.  I know it's corny, but I hope the spirit of Christmas will last throughout the year.

Christmas Eve 2012

Our Christmas this year was so wonderful! The only thing that was missing was our family who we live far from (but we were able to see them the next week!).  The Hubby and I were trying to remember the last time we had Christmas morning in our own home, and it was 2007. 

Christmas Eve was very laid back, we spent the day together and went to grandma's to read the story from Luke and exchanged our gifts from the name drawing.

This is the gift Hubby put together for my brother.  He bought the print and made the frame from some scrap wood (to stay under budget).

I drew A's name and knew right away what I wanted to get her, the Wicked soundtrack.  We saw the show together last year for our birthdays.

I don't remember if this was on Christmas Eve, but it did snow.  What more can you ask for then fresh snow on Christmas Eve!?  We were also excited to be able to be in our own home and put up lights.

Gingerbread house

We put a gingerbread house together for the first "fun family Friday" of the month.  I took these pictures before the whole thing fell apart and they were both crying in despair :)  We had to have a discussion about how things can be enjoyable even if they don't turn out quite they way we planned . . . . we will need to repeat this lesson a few more tmes.