Christmas Part III

 The Spoils of GRANDMAS!

This year Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. With doing our own Christmas in the morning, then attending  church service, we headed over to Grandma Riddle's for some cousin time. We missed Craig and Rachel's family this year as little Evelyn was only a few weeks old and it would have been CRAZY to try to travel with the busy schedule of the day. We were so grateful though that Allen and Traci were with us again and here to stay!! Ya!!! I loved growing up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially around the holidays and am thankful that my children will now get to know those same feelings. 

Addison showing me her special necklace from her parents.

Hannah gets the game of LIFE!

Oh boy. Who gave this kid a gun???

Alexis likes her game from Uncle Brent. 

Grandma was so happy to her Grandkids around!

After presents we let the kids play, had a yummy meal, and spent time talking and playing games. I think there was a little football watching too...

It was a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Christmas Day in our new place!

Christmas morning this year was very special for us. After three Christmas mornings at my parents, having our own felt like a present all in of itself. 

Excited kiddos!

Grandma and Grandpa Riddle stopped by to see what Santa had left.

New hat from Mommy.

Ben gave Daddy deodorant. 

Santa did a good job this year!  

Christmas Eve 2011

Merry Christmas Eve in our new home!

Our little but perfect tree.

Excited to go to Grandma Reich's for some fun!

Playing a game, watching the 49er's, and eating snacks.
Perfect day!

My mom always has a TON of decorations.
It was really beautiful this year.

After church services ready to sing carols.

Pone, Pone, Pone again...Danish folk song we sing before opening presents.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at my parents place. We watched the football game, had a nice early dinner, went to church service with my parents, and then came back for desert, games, and presents. 

Nativity

We had the privilege of being in a Nativity production this year. You can see it by clicking on the word Nativity. I loved how it turned out!  Lynne Millar has done this in the past and I had always wished to be in one. So when we got the email we made time to be there!

Ben and Danielle were shephards.

Aubree was a Wise Man.

Hannah was an Angel.

The kids had a good time doing it. It was quite chaotic, but Lynne did a fabulous job!  

(Some quick photos that Danielle had taken while I was cleaning up.)

Celebrating Christmas with Friends

This year we had a Christmas party with our friends from the kids school. These people were in the trenches with us for parent club and we appreciate and love them so much! Because there were 25 of us including 12 kids, we decided to do it at 4 Corners so no one would have to deal with the mess or the cooking.  I had made Christmas packets for the kids with color pages, word searches, clue games, etc. for them to work on while waiting for the dinner. I was so grateful that they loved them and did a great job sitting still at the table; even the little ones!  

Adult table

Kids table

After dinner the kids made Reindeer food with Lora. 

Reindeer food - Oatmeal, glitter, and red and green sprinkles.

Camden and Craig

Hatches

We even had a special visitor who dropped off some goodies for us!

Jen Noska holding Santa's bag he left for us!

The star Santa gave everyone to put on their tree.

Aubree and Craig

Back - Danielle, Sydney, Sarah
Middle - Hannah, Sonny, Ryan, Camden, Owen
Front - Aubree, Ben, Shawn

The adults had a white elephant gift exchange, which the kids got a kick out of!

Weren't we all surprised when Michelle received the "stolen" lawn ornament from the Noska's house!

Jen stole this one back once it was here turn.

Brent received popcorn, cups, candy, and a movie gift card.
Perfect right?!

Sharon got Brent's gift!
A female urinal filled with candy.

 The bests gifts of the night though had to be from the Noskas. They had a family sized snuggie and slipper speakers. But when the owners opened up the boxes, they found another surprise!

Craig trying on his new socks. Definitely not the family Snuggie he thought he had!

Danielle with my cousin Shelby. 

Sydney playing with the straw glasses that they received from the slipper stereo.