Christmas 2012 - Family

Finally, the end of our Christmas stories.  That only took me way too long.

Opening presents from Mommy & Daddy.

Lots & lots of book reading.  We wrapped up 24 Christmas books, and put them under the tree.  Every night, starting on December 1, the kids opened one.  It was such a neat tradition to start.  They loved it!  We kept a basket out of the open books and they loved reading them during the Christmas season.

Proud of his new John Deere cowboy boots!

Maleah got a couple LEGO friend sets.  I was apprehensive getting them for her.  Not ready if she was ready for them, or if it would be something she would enjoy.  She rocked it and absolutely loved it!

Santa at Grandpa and Grandma Bonnie's house.

Layla with Santa.

Waiting patiently to open presents, and looking cute doing it.

He got Dallas's old barn from Grandpa Rod and Grandma Bonnie.  It's so neat, and he has played with it lots.

Layla got her very own Barbie house, made by Grandpa Rod.

Really how after present opening goes...putting together, assembling, inserting batteries, etc....

Maleah got Anna a best friend necklace.  Maleah said it reminds her of Anna when Anna is in Lincoln.  Precious.

Erica put together costumes and script for the kids to act out the Christmas story.  My dad was the narrator, the littles the animals, Layla the angel, Cora (missing in action was a shepherd), Madeline the inn keeper, the triplets as the wise men, and Lydia and Noah as Mary and Joseph.  Baby Jesus (Julia) is also missing in action, so a doll stepped up.  It was darling to see them put on the play.  We plan to do it every year, and see how they change over the years.  These are the things I *love* about Christmas.

Christmas morning.  Santa came!

All the grandkids at Papa and Nana's.

After Christmas Eve service.  Charlie has had enough!

Papa & Nana with the kids before Christmas Eve church.

The triplets had a sleepover here.  So much fun and tears when it was time to leave.

The final book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Lots of game playing, snacking, being lazy...

Ugh!  This is a great picture of Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Rod with the kids, but not showing up clearly.  Argh.

Charlie looking so handsome.

All the great grandkids with Grandma Hayes on her 90th birthday!

Me and my girls.

It was such a memorable, nearly perfect Christmas season for us.  The kids are at such a sweet age for the magic of it all, and starting to get old enough to start and appreciate traditions.  I love Christmas and all the memories that come with it.  Sweet family times.