Friday, December 27, 2013

Build-a-bear...

Sister Green made it home safe and sound yesterday! We missed her after 6 days away in Oregon. We celebrated by shopping for 5 1/2 hours with all the kiddos. We tagged along while she took the girls to build-a-bear. We ate candy at See's, bought dollar jewerly at Clare's, bought pop and suckers, found treasures at Old Navy (I used my 10 dollar gift cert!)went to the church bookstore and Tristin bought a cool CTR ring, and then we topped it off with dollar hamburgers at Mc Donalds! We were tired. The kids were up past 10:00 too! Welcome home G-ma Green! We will miss you again when you leave for Wisconsin soon! Thank you for spoiling the kids!! And I LOVE my triple crock-pot/warmer!!!! You are the best!

Christmas Day...

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The Grandparents came over at 7 and the festivities began (Yes, we set a time to start this year!)We recieved super fun gifts and were overwhelmed by everyone's kindness. Trying to remember everything now! A Goodwood gift card (YEAH!!!!), $100 credit at the Harley store!, a roller skating punch card, a pinata filled with candy/toys/treats & confettii from Uncle Jesse, homemade canning items, lotion, perfume, a box of hotel soaps from my brother, more gift cards, $ from Uncle Jake, fun hinged boxes from G-ma April with $ inside, chapstick, jewrely, handmade towels, bath towels G-ma Edith, food items, Clothes, toys, new socks, a Target gift card from Uncle Eli, winter gear, candy, books, more toys and games! What fun! Later we played, relaxed and then went to G-ma & G-pa's for a WONDERFUL dinner! What a beautiful day with the kids and grandparents! Of course I was in tears at one point missing everyone back home. Mom called the night before with tears too and we just know it will come. Living away from home and my ENTIRE family has always been the biggest struggle. I feel I've missed out on the closeness and family bonds over the years. Even our trips home don't seem to fill the gaps, although I love every second there. It's just different living away but I am thankful for the second hand accounts of everything happening. I adore my family and I am happy they are all in the Seattle area together, I hope they realize what a treasure that is- having family so close. I miss that.(That's why having my Dad has been such a blessing, I don't feel so alone.)Merry Christmas!!! Thank you for all of our presents!! I love my towels Mama!!! Thank you Dad for making Christmas happen this year, we are so thankful for everyone!

Christmas Eve with G-pa...

It has been wonderful having my Dad here. I never get to enjoy holidays with my side of the family, so it was extra special this year. We went over for dinner, treats, presents and fun. He spoiled us, we danced around the living room, we relaxed, we watched the kids open up their present from him and we had a great time.Thanks Dad for EVERYTHING! We love you!

Skating on Christmas Eve...

The skating rink had free admission (when you brought a canned good) on Christmas Eve, so we went over to have a little fun! Even Trav was out there skating it up! He even participated in a parent race, which we came dead last in, but I couldn't have been prouder of my sweet husband out there without a care in the world! A think a free pop really excited him!

Cross dressing, lights and cookies...

Every once in awhile Roman will come out in girl clothes, fingers painted red or with 13 ponies in his hair, it's just life when you have 3 older sisters, here he is in another girly outfit! We also went to look at lights Sunday evening and had fun eating popcorn in the car until the kids were tired and it was time to go to bed. We made horrible cookies this year, but we had fun making them. I should not be allowed to cook! Seriously? Someone send me some good cooking vibes!

Letters from Santa...

Santa sends letters to the kids every year! Here they are showing off their treasures! (Thanks, Santa!)