Christmas Morning

After much anticipation... the kids all got just what they wanted. Everyone was happy. We enjoyed having Nate, Dana & my parents visiting with us during the Christmas holiday also.

Get lined up and ready to go.

First glances

Maddox wasn't sure why he was awake, much less what all this was for.

Jackson liked the longboard but where's the ipod? Don't worry. He found it.

Jake loved his bike

Gracie was excited about new panties.

Oh yea! Pokemon cards!

A digi! What's a digi? It's a handheld video game player by leapster.

Santa Came...

hope they are excited in the morning. He brought them some fun stuff.

Gracie's doll house and "lots of barbies" was what she wanted.

Jake's bike. He asked for a bike and a scooter. Santa opted for one.

for Mr. Maddox

Joey just wanted a bike, pokemon cards and beyblades. I think he might have everything he asked for.

A long board. Who knew? Hope he gets his ipod. He would be pretty disappointed.

Christmas Jammies

What's Christmas Eve without Christmas jammies. The kids each got to open their jammies and slippers this year. They get so excited about it even though they know just what it is. One of these days I'm going to have to surprise them and not put them in.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve wasn't quite the same this year without our beloved GG. She loved Christmas and always made it the best time of year. Some tears were shed as we played Davey for the first time without her. Some things never change though, and Santa did not disappoint the kids.

Gracie was terrified of Santa this year and only sat here because I forced her for the picture.

and the tweenagers! I can't believe they have grown so big. Time has flown by. I remember so well when these 3 were the only ones we were celebrating with. Now there are 26 grandkids.

I'm so glad these 3 are still such great friends.

Christmas Party

I enjoy hosting a good party now and then. This year I decided to do a Minute-to-Win-It Christmas Party. Each couple was responsible for bringing 2 games for us to all play. I provided the meal and made lots of yummy chocolate-dipped desserts as well a Cafe-Rio type dinner with all the fixins. I wish I would've taken a picture of the table. It was so pretty.

The games were so funny. It was a great night with lots of laughs. I only started taking pictures right at the end when we only had 2 games left. In attendance were: Norm & Jen Knight, Jalen & Bonni James, Tom & Heidi James, Steven & Jodi Keim & Chris & Christi Allred. You're always guaranteed a good time with a group like that.

This game you had to get the cookie from your forehead to your mouth just using your facial muscles. This was hysterical to watch!

This game you had to stack up 8 nuts using a candy cane and no hands. Tricky!

Jackson turned TWELVE and started babysitting

Jackson turned 12 in October. He is now a Deacon in our church and gets to pass the sacrament. He was also called as the Deacon's Quorum President. Jackson makes good choices in his life and has a great desire to choose the right. He has a very compassionate heart and makes us very proud as his parents.

Along with turning 12 we started giving him more responsibility and letting him babysit while we go out. We started small by just going to dinner close by to actually trusting him with the whole evening. He does a good job and we feel blessed to have him in our lives.

I found the following pictures on my camera after leaving him in charge one night. Apparently he and Maddox had a fun time together being cool and taking pictures.

Joy School/Playgroup

Gracie and I were invited to participate in a little Joy School this year with 4 other little girls she will be going to kindergarten with in a few years. We jumped on the chance. It's once a week and we do a little lesson, snack, singing time, usually an activity and some play time. The girls love it and I think the mom's enjoy it too. I know I do. These little girls are so cute together.

Here's Gracie with her new friends this year. Paige Goodman, Abby Welker, Hailey Pace & Claire Palmer.