We had a great Christmas surrounded by family and friends. We knew Phil was likely to be gone as low man on the totem pole at UPS, but thankfully, he was home for our family dinner to welcome Shelley and family, sibling dinner, and Christmas Eve (which we made Christmas day for the kids). The kids didn't mind, being used to being flexible as military kids. This year was different though, while Phil was gone Christmas day, we spent it at my mom and dad's and then Phil's mom and dad's...so they were plenty distracted and very loved on.
My adorable nephew, Harrison, and his handsome playmate, Brody (my cousin Jenn's son)... I loved having this little man in town from VA to squeeze and love on. I don't get to see him as often as I'd like (or his mommy), so I soaked up all the baby hugs I could for the week.
Of course, I also loved seeing his mama, my sister, Shelley, and her husband, Dan. My kiddos LOVE it when Dan is in town. He is super patient with them and is willing to listen to an endless amount of riddles and play 3 rounds of monopoly in one afternoon. In other words, he's my hero...especially when Phil's gone for the week. ;)
We always look forward to seeing Ross and Courtney over the holidays, and we were really glad they were able to visit with us and that kids were able to have a playdate. I love seeing them play together, remembering that Ross was my first and favorite childhood playmate. This time, Claire and Lainey loved playing with "elf snot" slime. Yucko.
Rica and Harrison!
Shelley celebrated her 32nd birthday with a dinner at Mom and Dad's surrounded by all our kiddos, interrupted by spills, whining, and bath time. Ah, how times have changed. Dad's carrot cake was better than any fancy restaurant dessert, though!
Grandpa and Harrison like making faces at each other!
On Christmas Eve Eve, the kids sat out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
We even spread our glitter and oatmeal concoction in the front yard to help encourage the reindeer to stop (Max had a glittery face and poop for days after...).
Christmas Eve morning we celebrated with Phil at home. The kids and I were really excited about our UPS swag from Santa. ;) Anything that sparkles is a winner in Claire's book, and she wore hers ALL DAY.
The kids' big gift was electric scooters. While Avery picked it up pretty quickly, Claire has only ridden hers one time, so far. It's a little fast. Oh well, they'll be more time to practice in the spring.
Even Max enjoyed gifts from Santa and from his Nana.
Christmas day at Mimi and Grandpas!
I promise they were more excited than they look!
This guy was super excited about his first Christmas!...well, the wrapping paper at least.
Then there was Christmas afternoon at Nana and Papaws!
Nana seemed to really like the stepping stone the kids made!
The best chocolate cake!
All the grandkids with Nana and Papaw :)
My nephew Jack was adorable! We can't wait to meet his baby brother, due in April!
Sharing Papaw with Harrison and more boardgames
We made it to Cinci for the Howe family get together. Phil didn't get in until early that morning, but we were determined to make it happen.
My kids always love playing with the Howe brothers! Hard to believe they are all grown up, graduating from college and bringing girlfriends to Betty Jo's.
Happy birthday, Betty Jo! She doesn't appear to have aged a bit in the 12 plus years that I've known her.
Uncle Bill is always so much fun!
Avery teaching Lydia's awesome boyfriend Garrett all about aerodynamics. ;)
