Family Christmas 2009

Our Christmas this year was wonderful as always. Due to our lack of snow in Michigan, it didn't quite feel like Christmas. We had rain ... lots and lots of rain. Now, a few days after Christmas we are getting some snow. Nice!!!

The kids didn't seem to mind. Christmas is always fun for them. This year Christmas morning went so fast. Our kids are getting older and they knew just what to do .. tear into the presents. With 5 kids, this leaves quite a mess, but it makes for a fun and exciting Christmas morning. Our day is spent at Papa and Grandma's house. Mommy makes her famous cinnamon rolls and we spend the day in our P.J's and diving into our new treasures. Lots of games, reading instructions, installing batteries, and making sure the kids are "sharing" and "playing nicely". (it can be exhausting :) We love every minute of it. Spending time with family is priceless. Next year, we are trying to convince grandpa and grandma to come visit from Idaho. It may take a year to convince them to travel across the country, but it will be so worth it.
Please enjoy these shots of our Christmas morning ...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. May we live our lives to bring glory to God, the reason we celebrate this special season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Getting 7 people to look straight and smile is impossible!!

Calendars were a big hit! They loved them!

Enjoying the gifts and trying to tell Tanner there is more to open.

Getting some pictures in before the fun starts!!

Hayden looking at the tree. I love this picture!

Mommy was having fun with Aunt Kellie's new camera!

Having fun with the family. Special holiday memories!!

Merry Christmas !!!! ( Just a few days late) We had a wonderful Christmas with the family. It was great to relax and enjoy some quality time together. Aunt Kellie flew in from Florida to spend Christmas in a winter wonderland. She was cold the entire time. She is trying to convince us that next year Christmas should be in Florida!!! Christmas morning was crazy with paper and gifts overtaking the living room. The kids had a blast and spend the day enjoying their new treasures. I made my mom's famous cinnamon rolls and was reminded why I make these only once a year. They are SO not good for the waistline!! Our big gift this year was the Wii. It has been a huge hit. Watching the kids play is so fun. The kids beat mom in almost every sport and they think that is hysterical. I am practicing and soon I will be able to take them on. Watching Grandma and Papa play is a special treat. I love listening to the kids "talk smack" as they play. Hayden was bowling and got a strike and said, "that's what I am talking about.." Rylee is our little secret weapon. She is amazing! My husband often reminds my that I am getting beat by my 5 year old. Thanks Honey!!! The rest of the day was spent playing, eating, and playing some more. It has been a wonderful Christmas. Thank you Jesus for sending your Son, the reason we celebrate! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. May God richly bless you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!