December 22nd...

Sounds like a perfect date to begin ripping into all those presents, don't ya think? Well, these kids sure didn't need any convincing. C'mon  already!

Wait! First we need to sing some Christmas carols and Papa must read the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2, but not until we find him a LARGE print Bible and his glasses.

We're all listening, Dad.

Well, most of us are anyway...

But there are those fantasy football numbers to check, right Tom? Here is a little video. Just remember, I cannot be held responsible for whatever damage is done by watching him do whatever it is he is doing to his wife's arm at the end of this clip.

 Hahaha.

Presents were exchanged

Some gifts looked better on certain people

Than others...

Uncle Dana and Aunt Molly made sure to get in on the present action even though they were spending Christmas in paradise {Catalina} without us.

{Molly made that owl. Isn't it adorable}

And they sent us this huge, inflatable ball that the kids climb into and cause all kinds of mischief and damage! And damage is pretty much what they've been causing all day.

Thanks, I think;)

Granny completed her gift by taking us all to see Arthur Christmas at the movie theater. Fun times! And more to come, for sure.

 

Christmas: from our home to yours

You may or may not know that my beloved camera was stolen out of our car on Thanksgiving morning. Stink! I was bummed. so very, very bummed:( I've been hoping that it would miraculously reappear, along with the thief begging for my forgiveness. But this has yet to happen, so I'm left to reluctantly snapping photos on my iPhone as we go through this Christmas season. Not the same, I'm afraid, but a memory saved. And that's good enough for me.

We spent the evenings project{ing}, baking, sipping hot cocoa from our favorite Santa mugs, and watching Christmas movies.

Little {but clean} fingers helped to make puppy chow, peppermint bark, and toffee for those we love and are thankful for this Christmas season. Yumm!

Gifts are beginning to "pop-up" throughout the house

{Ben made this for me out of reclaimed crate wood}

and collect under the tree,

 but this holiday season we are especially grateful for each of our friends- both near and far.

{Can you find your card?}

And striving daily to remember the greatest GIFT of all...

The kids play with this nativity set often, and it appears at the moment as if baby Jesus is missing! I'll get right on that:)

Merry Christmas, Friends