Christmas Update

Here we are - it's January, a new year and the Christmas celebrations are done. Before I start the new year I have to go back and recap our Christmas, since I took a little break at the end of the year.
I hope you all enjoyed your time together.  I know quite a few of you were taking a blog break as well, but I saw quite a few celebrations on other blogs.
The week before Christmas we had my family all over for our annual party. Almost everyone was able to come and it makes for a full house, but lots of fun!

 Here's part of the group gathered in our basement.  We had pizza and goodies, games and some gifts.  As usual there were a few prank gifts and lots of laughs.  I am so blessed to be part of this group!

I caught this cute shot of my step-mom and Ruby having fun together.   I love to see them enjoying each other.


This was my year to work on Christmas, and I ended up working Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so we had our family gathering on Saturday evening - Christmas Eve.  Heather also worked till 6 that evening, so we started a little late.

 Alaina and Ruby occupied themselves coloring until Uncle Andrew and Aunt Heather arrived.

Alaina also sang and acted out a song she learned at school.  She was very expressive!

We spent some time skyping with Uncle Andy and Aunt Nikki in Kentucky.

Ruby has an aversion to the floor, she prefers to be on top of things, or better yet, climbing!

 Alaina was happy with her new umbrella.

Ruby got a sled from Uncle Andy and Aunt Nikki.  She thought it was a boat and had to try it out with Grandpa.

One of the reasons I had to take a blogging break was to finish these books I made for each of the girls, with all the pictures I took of them over the last year. They were having fun looking at all the pictures of themselves.

Our kids spoiled us with nice Christmas gifts, and I have to show you one of them - this creative and fun gift that Laura did as a gift from Alaina and Ruby.  It's a glass jar filled with squares of paper. We can take out a piece whenever we want.  There are pictures that Alaina drew, photos of the girls and sweet notes.  Each one we've pulled out so far has brought a smile to our faces.  We think we need another jar to put them into because we can't bring ourselves to throw them away!

It was a wonderful Christmas season!