Christmas 2016

Christmas this year was quiet, with lots of family time together.  We missed being with our extended families but also enjoyed doing some of the new traditions our little family has started.  We are again grateful for all of the extended family's generosity to our children (and Brian and I) and you'll see in the pictures how much they enjoyed their presents and having that connection with others that love them-Brian and I have very much appreciated the presents and the hours of playtime they have provided!! 

the bigs had a good time getting the littles super excited about all the goings on at Christmas time. 

Christmas Eve during the day we let the kids open 1 present from Brian and I.  Then at night they open their pajamas from Nana.  Spreads out the fun over a few days which they enjoy. 

I need to get more pictures of Brian and his LONG hair and beard--before he changes back to his normal clean shaven appearance.  It's been fun to see the difference.  Clara loves to play with his beard too!  :)

Stockings! 

Didn't take too long to get Clara into it!

This was Christmas morning before the chaos started.  I'm not sure I even have a lot of pictures of the actual opening since it was mass chaos when all begun. 

Again, thanks for your part in helping make for a great Christmas for our girls.   We're trying our best to instill in them the importance of thankfulness and why people give gifts---to help point us to the true meaning of Christmas found in a tiny baby; sent to earth by our Sovereign God.  A celebration of new life--first in Jesus' birth and also the new life we have in Christ. 

December 2016

So much happened in December, here are several dozen pictures of what we did!  Played,

Setting up the Christmas tree and decorations

Clara's

Helena and her "ballet moves"

She REALLY gets into it!

as do the others.  This was a fun few pictures to take--not sure where Clara was during all this. 

 Visit from Papaw always fun!

We had snow.... again.... I mean, less than 1 inch, but Laura came all the way from Wisconsin to enjoy it with us. 

These next series of pictures is when Laura decided the girls needed to make glitter jars.  And so we did!  And they love them.  THanks Laura!  :)

She finally got her turn. 

Laura has a special talent in taming Helena.   Helena loves her and spent a lot of time with her "tracing". 

And our special event this month was attending "The Nutcracker ballet".  They absolutely loved it, and we had a great evening out in fancy gear. 

and some of good pics of life at home these days...

Savannah and Clara have been bonding a lot lately, she's a little mother and Clara eats it all up. 

Yes, that is Clara in the wagon, like I said, little mother Savannah.

gingerbread houses the kids made at a friend's house--not a square cm not covered in candy!

Captured a moment when big 3 were skyping with Opa and Oma.