Christmas Day 2015

Christmas with these kids was amazing.  We had a fun morning opening presents... I wish that part could last all day, I love watching the excitement.  Grandma Sharla, Grandpa Larry, Grandma Ruth, and Uncle Eli came over for breakfast and watched the kids with their new things.  After a nap for Isaac, we went to the Dawson's to eat and play with cousins.

Coming down the stairs Christmas morning... Carly's face is hilarious.

As soon as she finished opening her new doll, Hailey wrote in her journal "it was a Christmas miracle" that she got MaryEllen.

When Abigail unwrapped her bow and arrow, she said, "Oh, I bet this was that big package you tried to hide from us."  I am the worst at hiding Christmas presents.

Luke's excited for his new Chargers hat.

Ben picked out a new coat for me.  He had already shown it to me before he wrapped it, but the kids didn't know that, so I put on a really good surprised face :)

Out of the all presents that Ike received, the little plastic horse from Abi was his favorite.

The kids exchanged gifts with their cousins, and Ike received a ball and tee.  He's been so obsessed with it ever since.

Sharla and the girls made donuts for everyone. They were so delicious, and the girls loved helping Grandma.

Best Christmas Ever!

Christmas Eve 2015

We had Christmas Eve dinner at my Parent's house. 

Some of the kids played a Christmas song for us.  It's what we used to do as kids, we would all play our instruments and do something special for our Christmas Eve program.

The kids exchanged gifts with each other.  Abigail wanted to do something homemade so bad for her gift.  She had Wally's name, so she made him a pillow.

Wally loved his pillow so much, he kept smiling and laying on it.  It made Abigail so happy!

The kids wanted to sleep together, so we made beds on Abi's floor.  They talked so late into the night.  Ike was not invited to the sleep over:)

December randoms 2015

Luke is so good to read to his brother.

When I was little, my Dad would bring home tins of popcorn that he'd gotten at work during the holidays.  So every year we watch a Christmas movie and eat a tin of popcorn.  Just opening the tin smells like my childhood Christmases... and gross cheese popcorn.  I only like the regular and caramel.

Hailey and I had to do some last minute Christmas shopping.

For Luke's school Christmas party, we played a game where you pass the candy cane around with other candy canes that are in your mouth.  I guess fifth grade is a little too old for this game.  They were so weird about getting too close to each other. They either freaked out, or giggled and blushed if they actually touched each other.

Hailey's kindergarten party was fun and easy...  

Duck Duck Goose is always a good time filler.

Abigail and her bestie, Kate, wrapped each other up during their Christmas relay game.

We went to visit our Grandmas.  We only have Ben's two left... we definitely missed our Grandma Dixie this year.  The kids love to visit Grandma Smith at the nursing home.  Grandma Ruth had her hair in curlers I believe... so she didn't want a picture of that :)

Ben, Luke, and I went to go see Star Wars.  The girls did not want to come with us.

They chose to stay at Grandma Sharla's a make mints.  They were so delicious.  Sharla is so sweet and patient while cooking with the kids.

I helped out when we got back to pick the girls and Ike up.  They didn't want my help (bossyness)  So I had to just watch.

I love these kids so so so much!

sledding

My Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Mark live in Preston, ID.  They have a big piece of land with the best sledding hill ever.  Most of the Carruths got together and had lunch and went sledding.  I can't remember the last time I liked being out in the snow so much.