Christmas break

What a wonderful 2.5 weeks we had during Christmas break- no school, a few days off from work, a couple of little trips, lots of time at home, and lots of family and friends coming over. It thrills me beyond words that my children love Christmas time as much as I do, and seeing the joy and excitement on their faces makes my heart nearly burst. We spent many nights getting milkshakes then driving around to see Christmas lights, and we spent many days baking Christmas cookies and painting ornaments. It really is the most magical time of the year. And I am so thankful that Grafton really gets it- she really understands what Christmas is all about- and she reminds us all the time. "'J' is for Jesus! Happy Birthday to Jesus! Let's sing Silent Night again! Do you know what a manger looks like? Jesus was a pretty baby..." - these are common quotes from our little angel.

It was a busy couple of weeks, a fun couple of weeks, a happy couple of weeks...and here is a peak at what all we did...

1st day of the break was beautiful and warm...so we had a picnic, took a walk, and played outside! 

 She said "Look! My Barbies want to watch the videos too!"

 My Angel in her Christmas program

 Grafton and I had a lunch date at the end of school! I love our time together!

 Stylin' dude!

 Christmas dinner party with the Mooneys!

 Daddy's little shadow

 James's 3 year old check-up. He did so well and didn't cry at all- even when his finger was pricked! He is still in the 3% for height but has moved up to 20% for weight- yay!!

 Our first morning of Christmas break- I love this view!

 Our little nut is into EVERYTHING! She constantly carries this stool around and uses it to climb up and reach things! Nothing is safe anymore...

 My little baker, helping me make pigs-in-a-blanket for our Sunday School party.

 My morning buddy. Grafton had a slumber party with DeeDee so I got a play date with James!

 I love this silly little bathing beauty!

 Opening presents from Aunt Sam!

 Gingerbread men with DeeDee- so so much fun!

 And making cookies with DeeDee too! Such a fun tradition we have- baking Christmas cookies every year!

 Poor P- always having to eat on the go! It doesn't seem to bother her though...

 We love our Aunt Sam- she spoils us!

 This is one of the benefits of having an older daughter- she can play with the baby while mommy gets a few more minutes of rest in the morning!! They have a sweet relationship.

 Our fish! The kids all love watching, feeding, and laughing at these fish.

 Daddy's new workout...

 

 These two are best buddies! They are so so so so much alike! They are both silly, goofy, hilarious....they laugh at everything and get into everything...they are two peas in a pod. It's funny for me to see Price's personality coming out more and more- and she is sooooooo much like her big brother. My favorite thing about her- she loves to laugh...I mean she is CONSTANTLY laughing...and its a big, loud laugh! It makes me smile every time!!