Christmas Catch-up

Christmas has come and gone and it was a year to remember!

We were able to celebrate Christ's birth with a little Nativity play in our living room with family and friends. Richard and Michelle were Mary and Joseph, while Hunter Christopher, and Geoff were the wiseguys (I mean men). Jordan, Samantha and Alece were our shepherds of dogs, while Sara, Emelie, Grace and Izayah were our angels. As usual when we have that many children involved with something there is bound to be a bit of goofing-off:-) It was beautiful and silly at the same time.

Later on in the evening when all friends had gone the girls got busy making their magic key (so Santa could unlock the door and come in), sprinkling out magic reindeer food and placing the cookies, egg-nog, and carrots JUST RIGHT. Then as soon as they were asleep it was time for Santa and his elf to get busy.

Christmas morning brought a few squeals and some surprised looks when the children saw what they received. The girls have two princess kitchens that they have wanted for a year with food and movies. The three younger boys got PSPs and a game, Hunter was given an elaborate axe (can't have a psp on a mission and the axe won't be out of date in two years). They enjoyed those gifts for a couple of hours and then we slowly opened the rest. More squeals and more "thank-you's". Everyone got just the right stuff to know they were appreciated and thought of.

Dinner, of course, was ham, potatoes, and too many side-dishes and pies to name. The Peterson and the Jensen families came over to enjoy the bounty the Lord has blessed us with. Children played and memories were made.

The New Year gave us a unique opportunity to go out in the city and celebrate a bit with free rides, crafts, dancing, and some cultural art. The biggest things for the girls were the city bus ride and the carousel. Emelie was a bit intimidated by the horses but Sara LOVED them. When we were done gallivanting around town we went back to the Peterson's house to ring in the New Year with food and fun. Around 1:30 we went home to sleep until noon :o)

Now, today is Tim's big 4-0. We kept it pretty mild because there was no work today but he will get it on Monday when a big bouquet of balloons show up and the boys plan to decorate his office all in black on Sunday so ALL of his work will know how OLD he is ;O) Topher's been planning this for MONTHS! I'll let you know how it went.

Except for all that we are just fine and will get back to our boring routines very soon. School should start on the 5th and the gym has been calling me back for the last two weeks. Talk at you later

CHRIS