Christmas Eve

The Christmas Eve service at my parent's church was not until 11:00 p.m. so we opted for one at a local church that started at 4:30 p.m. instead.  We dressed up in our Sunday best and gave our best attempt at family pictures!

After we got in that evening we played "Santa" and put together the kid's toys!  By 10:30 p.m. we were all done and ready for Christmas Day!

Family Christmas

The week before Christmas my brother became very ill due to an abscessed tooth that resulted in surgery to clean out the infection and ultimately a 5 day hospital stay.  Despite telling my parent's that he had cancelled his plans to travel to their house for Christmas he decided to surprise them and show up.  And my parent's were definitely surprised.  We enjoyed a few days with them prior to Christmas.  Lincoln and Emery are both blessed to have awesome cousins.  Lincoln loved playing with them and Emery was often the center of attention as to which cousin's turn it was to hold her.  They both enjoyed all the cousin time.  One evening we went to the Capital to look at the lights and decorations.  Here are a few snapshots I caught on my phone of the cousins.






And here is one of Story feeding Emery that is just too cute not to share!



We opened presents together on Friday evening before Christmas and to say the least it was a crazy time with lots of wrapping paper flying.  

And after we opened presents we celebrated my SIL's birthday which was actually Friday as well!
 

After our celebration with my brother and his family we headed south to spend time with Cory's family.  Lincoln was very excited to see "Maudy" and "Sushi" as he calls his cousins (Mady and Lucy).  These three had lots of fun opening presents and playing together.  I think the highlight of the day was the roller coasters that Mimi and Poppy got the kids.  I think Lincoln rode his roller coaster at least a 100 times in the 2 days at their house.  

Pop stopped by for a little bit to give the grandkids their gifts!  We managed somewhat of a group shot.  Ha!

And then we had Christmas with Mimi and Poppy!  

And no trip to Mimi's is complete without some time playing her piano.  Lincoln serenaded everyone with Veggie Tales.  

Next up, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Handprint Christmas trees

During December we were invited by our neighbor to make a handprint Christmas tree. I will set the scene: three moms and four children ranging from 2.5 years to 7 months of age. However, it was lots of fun.













And here is our final product: Lincoln's hands are in green and Emery's hand is in red along with her fingerprints in red too.



A fun project with sweet neighbors.

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Santa Baby.

At the beginning of December we went to visit Santa.  There was no one there when we arrived so we were able to get in and out.  Both kids did great.  Emery did not even seem to notice who was holding her and Lincoln was frozen and did not want to make any sudden movements.  We did not get the best smile out of Lincoln but at least he was not crying.

Here is the "official" picture of them



And here was my attempt at taking their picture afterwards.  Again, Emery is NOT a fan of sitting up.  She either wants to lay down or stand up.  So we just went with it. 

Thanksgiving 2012

Here goes my blogging marathon to get caught up....
 
We split our time between two places this Thanksgiving.  My parents and brother's family were in Branson for a few days so we went over there for about 25 hours to see them.  Needless to say, it was a VERY quick trip.  It was so good to see them though.  We have not seen them since Memorial Day weekend.  Our nephew and nieces are growing up so fast!  Lincoln and Story had a GREAT time playing together.  We got so tickled and Story walking around saying "Lancoln" as country as she could. 

We spent our one weekend there going to ride the duck and see the lights.  While we waited on our turn the kids played in the Winter Wonderland!  

We headed home Wednesday afternoon to our house.  After we arrived home, Cory's brother's family, mom and step-father showed up about an hour later.  We had a TON of food thanks to my mother and SIL for doing most of the cooking.  I continue to feel better but still struggle with my energy level and stamina.  I appreciated them cooking and helping out so much.  The cousins enjoyed coloring their Thanksgiving table cloth and playing together throughout the holiday. 

Cory and Billy Don searching through the black Friday ads for good deals.  We enjoyed lots of black Friday shopping this year and got some great deals!

I did attempt to take a few pictures of our little turkey on her first Thanksgiving.  However, sitting down is not her favorite thing.  And she looks so naked without a hairbow.  Ha!