More Presents

Tonight we got together to open presents from my sister, Dee, and her family. The kids got games, so we spent time playing those. Katie just got back from New York City, so she had little treats for everyone to open as well.

Emmaline models my new scarf from Katie

Dad shows off his mad scarf-tying skills

Jacob worked a puzzle with Mimi

Playing "Candy Land"

Transformers Jenga, anyone?

17 years and counting!

We met our friends from high school for Christmas dinner tonight at Brio. Afterward, we braved a snow storm and drove to Mark's parent's house for dessert. Nathan's parents kept the kids overnight for us, so it was nice to visit and not worry about getting home.

This is our 17th year to get together, which is nice since we don't usually see each other during the year. Pictured above are: Chris and Becky McCaskey, Me and Nathan, Melissa and Aaron Harlow, and Bethany and Mark Scheffler. I've known Becky and Nathan since kindergarten, Melissa since 5th grade, and Mark since 4th grade. I love that I'm still friends with people that I grew up with. Life has taken us in different directions, but we always pick up where we left off when we do meet up. This next year should be our 15-yr. high school reunion, so maybe I'll get to see them twice next year!

What a Way to End Christmas!

Jacob lost another tooth just before bedtime tonight. I've lost count on what number this one is. As if he didn't open enough presents today, I guess he's planning on getting a gift from the tooth fairy tonight too!

Christmas with the Stovers

We spent the remainder of Christmas Day celebrating with my family. For dinner, we ate ham, cheesy potatoes, crescent rolls, veggies, and lots of dessert. Then, we opened presents. The kids were hilarious as they opened clothes, books, games, puzzles, and lots of art supplies. The older two even got excited about spending the giftcards they got. We also celebrated my dad's birthday.

Who can resist this beautiful face?!

One of several drawing books Jacob got

Ellie got another "Fancy Nancy" to add to her collection

Emmaline got a cool drawing pad that makes music and increases tempo while she draws

Katie and I break in her "Office Clue" game. It is very funny, though it would have been more challenging with more people!

Christmas Morning

We spent a relaxing morning celebrating Christmas at home. The kids opened presents and then we ate a yummy breakfast of monkey bread and fresh pineapple.

Jacob got a double-barrel nerf shotgun

These santa lanterns from Dollar Tree were a big hit with all 3 kiddos

Emmaline tries out her new McDonald play food

Yummy Monkey Bread

Presents from Auntie Angel and Family

The kids love Christmas Eve because they get to open presents from Auntie Angel (my oldest sister) and her family who live in California. She never fails to disappoint with her gift choices.

Emmaline got a double stroller, high chair, and playpen for her dolls

Ellie got the Polly Pocket Roller Coaster Resort

And a car so that her dolls can drive to the resort

Jacob got the Ben10 Alien Creation Chamber

And a Ben10 r/c car

Ellie surprised me with a picture she made me for Christmas. She had been hiding it in her school desk so I wouldn't find it. It melted my heart that she made it for me without prompting from anyone else.

Christmas Eve with the Curley Clan

We always celebrate Christmas Eve with Nathan's extended family. There are lots to yummy things to eat, silly gifts to open, and lots of laughs shared.

Ellie got several of these sets

Emmaline can't wait for Daddy to get it out of the box

She loves her new ponies

Jacob got some Transformers

And a Ben10Bionicle...he loves Ben10 and we'd never seen it before!

Christmas with the Curleys

This week will be known as "The Week of Christmases". We celebrated Christmas with Nathan's family today. Our gift to his parents and grandparents was a photo album of all the festivities surrounding Granddaddy's 90th birthday this past July. Granddaddy hasn't been feeling well the past month or so, so he was very appreciative of the book.

Every year at Christmas, I have a meltdown at some point because I get overwhelmed with trying to find places for all the kids' new toys. I've promised that I won't do that this year, so today is the first test of that.

Emmaline got a tent and sleeping bag

Jacob loves his new secret agent LegosEllie's favorite gift was a Furreal kitty that moves and meows

The cookie tray I took to share

3 Wise Men & a Baby

Tonight was the Kids' Christmas Program at church. Ellie and Emmaline sang with the "Heartshaper Capers" Choir before the program started. Emmaline stole the show dancing to all the songs while she was onstage. I have come to realize that it is impossible to get good pictures during programs at church. Someone is always going to be in the way and people will move your stuff even if you save seats. That being said, the program was cute and the kids really enjoyed themselves.

Catch her if you can...Emmaline would not slow down to pose for a picture!

Jacob

Gabrielle

Singing with her friends

Jacob has unfortunately inherited my coordination, but he did his best on all the motions

Emmy watches the program from Papaw's lap

Apparently, Jacob should have taken a nap before the program.
He yawned throughout the whole thing!

At the end of the program, Mrs. Cathy gave each child a Christmas card to dismiss them from the stage. Jacob waited patiently and was the last name called.

Enjoying cookies at the reception

Ellie looks ready to fall asleep after the long day

Grandma's Christmas Party at Work

Today, Nathan's parents took the kids to a Christmas party where his mom works. It's a yearly tradition and they always have a good time. They visit with Santa, decorate cookies, listen to music, and make crafts. The afternoon is topped off with lunch out somewhere...this year it was at Burger King. I was volunteering at a church activity, so I met them for lunch afterward and they had lots of stories to tell.

Making crafts

Ellie refused to sit with Santa, so she hid behind Papaw instead

Jacob and Emmaline with Santa