Home Sweet Christmas

In my memory, this was definitely my favorite Christmas ever. Except for the disappointment of our Christmas Eve services being canceled at church and subsequently our decision to skip driving around to look at lights...I was filled with joy.

We were blessed to have my MIL snowed in with us for the two days...and since we didn't have plans to go anywhere we weren't stressed or disappointed with being house-bound!

I worked Christmas Eve until 2 pm. When I got home, the girls and I snuggled in for a short winter's nap together!

On the way home from work I picked up a cake and ice cream and we celebrated the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus. We let the kids open one gift and read two Christmas books about Jesus before we all snuggled up on the living room floor to watch movies together.

We played Connect 4 and Bingo, the gifts they opened.

Kennedy got a keyboard and microphone.

Reading about baby Jesus; so cool to have Kyndal read this year!

The kids slept under the Christmas tree!

Christmas morning we were shocked when we actually had to wake the kids up at 9am! They opened their stockings and then we had a filling breakfast. After they tore through their gifts we spent the rest of the day playing with our new toys. I was a lucky girl this year! Casey hooked me up with a new lens for my Nikon camera so I can get up close and personal with the kids now, and I got a new smoothie machine which will work overtime in our house! Thanks babe!

Eager to get started!

Kyndal's new wheel'sCorbin's ready to hit the snowKennedy's in heaven with her babies.Corbin gets more tracks for his Trick TracksA new pony for Kennedy!Finally, an Easy Bake oven, Kyndal's been asking for one for 2 years!A new 4 wheeler racing shirt...Playing with all the Trick tracks.A family surprise--Casey got a deal on this little 4 wheeler for the kids.

We know who will the most miles (and smiles) on this one!

Christmas with the Cooley's

Each year my sister's and I rotate who hosts Christmas for our family. This year we headed southwest to my hometown, Scott City, KS the first weekend of December. Which meant, I had a lot to do beforehand....all the shopping, wrapping and baking. Which also explains why I haven't been blogging!

We had a wonderful time as always, playing games, catching up with our siblings and parents and watching some Husker games too. I was able to share something fun with my family in person (stay tuned blog friends!) too. Here's a few pictures of my sweet family...

My sisters, Casey and I and my BIL's

Owen and Mom

Sweet baby Lizzie...too much excitement!

Mom and Austin playing UNO

Ashlynn, Marissa, Nikki, Kyndal, Corbin, Kennedy (and Austin's arm!)

Lizzie's first Christmas!

Corbin goofing off...

The kids and my Dad watch as Owen opens a white elephant gift, another family tradition

My sister came up with a great craft idea for the kids, an advent calendar. That and the brand new park (and 60 degree weather) kept them entertained for the afternoon!My beautiful sisters!