Christmas Morning Began...

...at three freakin' fifty-nine A.M.!

Yep, my kids start shaking me awake at 3:57 a.m., to be exact, to let me know that Santa had come, there was a telescope from Santa and bungee chairs from Grandma and Grandpa, and they had these cool toys in their stocking and even Daddy got something in his stocking...

Trying not to be a jerk, I said, acting surprised, how wonderful that all was but that it was not even 4 in the morning and that they needed to head back to their rooms.

A minute later I am out of bed because they took me literally and both were sitting on Rhys's floor talking about and going over the contents of their stocking again.  So I spoiled their party and indicated that I meant to go back to their own beds and SLEEP because it was way to early. 

They did, I am pretty sure because after snapping a shot of my clock with my phone, the house was quiet and still once more until...7ish, as God intended.

We eventually got out of bed. Really. 

Neal made nutella and banana crepes for breakfast while Sophie sang us tunes.  Then we opened presents. 

The rest of the day went as follows: 1. Remove packaging and discard it and gift wrap, 2. Play, 3. Eat, 4. Play at park - in the 70s! Yes!, 5. Play and call family, 6. Eat, 7. Play, 8. Sleep. Not a bad day, overall.  So much fun just playing together.

Enter Christmas

Decorations up?

I made this skirt out of an old round table cloth.  My project for the season-done!

I see you, Mohini!

Check!
Attend events?

Nativity Exhibit

Christmas Tree Lighting

Minor League Hockey

Activity Days for Girls Pajama Christmas Party with Sadie as guest

Compassionate Christmas Relief Society Activity: Hygiene Kits for Refugees coming to TX

 

 

 

  

 

Pictures with Santa at Our Children's House

Check!
Good times with friends and family?

Baking goodies galore to drop off some love at other's doors. Sophie made chocolate cherry oat bars. Neal made peanut brittle, fudge, snickerdoodles, 5 layer bars, and marshmallows.

Rhys made peppermint patties. Keri made pistachio bread and chocolate peanut butter cookies.

Early morning runs with friends

Holiday viewings

Early openings form family

Opening of yet another Star Wars movie, triple date with friends

Christmas shopping

Games with Oma

Goodies for Santa and his reindeer

Check!

It was a crazy but wonderful holiday, as all Christmases end up being anyway, no matter how much we want to simplify.  With my new calling leading the women's group at church this year, my family and I had lots more opportunities to serve and see others serving.  That was neat. I love my family and I am grateful to them and so many others that reach out and take on responsibilities. Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving!

We get a whole week off from school during Thanksgiving, here in Texas.  Growing up in California it was just Thursday and Friday. I like the extra days off. 

We invited friends over to celebrate fall which included lots of play time, a fall scavenger hunt/walk, making fall collages with our finds, and a game of fine the scarecrow.  It was a lot of fun, even for me.  We sent them home with "fall friend" acorn necklaces.

Memphis, Rhys's buddy making collage

Our family was excited to visit our family in Louisiana.  Neal generously let me listen to Christmas music all the way out there--that's like 5 hours or so of joy! 

We got to visit with everyone, see all the young and new ones that have been added to the family, and check out some things around town. This included the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum that was closed in past visits. 

On the Ouachita River

Nonnie even told me that we could go fishing for crawfish (crawdads) in the mud piles in the yard.  I thought for sure they were pulling my leg but gave it a bit of a go anyway.  Later, quite a few confirmed that they did this as kids with positive results. Who knew?! 

We went for lots of walks too because the colors were just gorgeous and we all do better when we move around a bit.  Thank you Cummings Clan for making our Thanksgiving so wonderful!