Inclement Weather

One of the first things the boys ran out to do on Friday once we learned that school was closed as well as several overpasses that Matt takes to get to work due to ice. What a fun, unexpected holiday! This is as close to snow as we get!

Sea World

We went to Sea World a few days after Christmas to take advantage of our season passes. Matt was busy at work with the Russian Olympic Committee and wasn't able to join us this time. I was grateful that my parents came along!

Waiting for the dolphin/beluga whale show to start. It's my favorite show.

We made sure to visit the snow exhibit where they could throw snow balls and tube down a hill.

Bryson being a good sport. Oddly enough both times we went to Sea World this year, he had diarrhea. Poor kid. This time I packed a change of clothes though.

Stopping for dinner on the way home

Christmas Morning

The boys were up at 6:45am ready to open presents! We were hoping that they would sleep in a little bit since they had stayed up later the night before.

Carter opening his stocking

Mommy opening her stocking

Caleb's stocking

Matt's stocking

And Bryson's stocking--which was really for all the boys to share

The boys opened church books/activity books, reading books and a toy each.

Caleb was really excited about this football

Carter's big present was a kitchen. He loves to cook with me in the kitchen. Any time I am making dinner or dessert, Carter immediately pulls over a chair and asks, "Can I help?"

Caleb's big present was a basketball goal that fits over his door.

Matt's Christmas present was a new hunting rifle and Matt surprised me with an elliptical machine so I can run inside during inclement weather.

The boys also got a gift from Matt and I under the tree to go see Frozen in the movie theaters. I took the older boys mid-morning while Matt stayed home with Bryson. I loved the music in the movie!

Later that afternoon, Matt's parents and his sister, Rachael's family came over as well. Bryson loves his new bath toys he received and the older boys each love their new games.

Christmas Eve

We hosted Christmas Eve at our house this year.

The kids loved playing on the trampoline together.

We played chimes together as is tradition. Our goal as a family is to perfect "O Holy Night" which has a two part harmony plus the accompaniment. We need some of the kids to grow up a little first to really do it justice as we need more people!

After chimes, we ate a turkey and ham dinner.

Following dinner, any kids that had talents to share put on a little concert.

We also did the Christmas story before it got too late for the kiddos.

Caleb played Joseph this year and Sam played Mary

Carter was a shepherd

The kids taking turns and patiently waiting to open presents from Grandma and Grandpa

Bryson playing with his present from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa opening tickets to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway

Drew playing "peek-a-boo" with Lili and Bryson

We ended the night with our traditional Christmas Eve games:

Dice/Present game

White Elephant game with missing family members Skyped in

I look forward to this night every year! My mom puts so much work into it.

Christmas Festivities

My brother and his family are visiting from The Netherlands. We love playing with them! My cousin, Jessica, and her family also happened to be in our neck of the woods for Christmas so they joined us for many of our activities.

Sunday night we made gingerbread houses

Cara, Alex, Caleb, Drew, Carter

Carter and I worked together

And Caleb and Matt worked together

Finished product!

Caleb's First Piano Recital

Caleb's piano teacher

Caleb played two songs (Rudolph & Jingle Bells) plus a duet with his teacher (Away in a Manger)

(Because his teacher had taken on two new students right before the recital, she didn't have everyone memorize their pieces this time.)

A few hours later, we headed to a church Christmas party which involved a hay ride, potluck dinner, a few games, and a visit from Santa.

Our family on the hayride

Mr. Bryson stayed happy as long as he had some food. He was very excited about this cookie.

Thanksgiving Break

Over Thanksgiving Break, we went to the downtown Children's Museum.

Caleb loved building his own car out of legos to see if it could survive this racetrack.

Carter loved the rocket launcher

The face paint crayons were a big hit.

We also went to Pump It Up during the break so the boys could get some energy out. We spent Thanksgiving with Matt's family and then celebrated the holiday with my family the following day.