The Christmas We Had SNOOOOOOW!!!!

Idyllic.  The snow just kept coming!  We had lots of snow, lots of shoveling, and lots of sledding this Christmas.  It was so beautiful and so cozy.  Best Snow-Christmas, EVER.

And in the days before Christmas we also had plenty of relaxing going on...

There's Micah again with that talking book, and Daddy found an XBOX game that the kids totally got into...


We found presents under the tree from G'ma Dianne--she's a sneaky lady!  These are the two BEFORE pics that attempt to capture the excitement of Christmas...  :)  (notice Joshy's Harry Potter scar that he and Kai are into wearing during play)

 ...DURING (notice the different unwrapping strategies)...

...and AFTER!!!

Their OWN bags, made with love by G'ma Dianne!  These are so cool!

Snow Day at the Farm

We loved spending the Monday after Weber Christmas at the farm.  Fresh snow made for a fun day of sledding, Jeff brought in wood for Dad and changed our van's oil, we did puzzles, and watched movies.  Ahhh, and the best part was that Christmas wasn't over yet!  We went home that night to get a few things done at home, but it was nice knowing that we were coming back down a few days later for MORE CHRISTMAS.  :)

Weber Christmas, 2015

Weber Christmas weekend started with hog butchering and Auntie Camp on Saturday and then gathering at Marty and Judy's house this year for our Weber Christmas celebration.

Happy Birthday, Daddio!

 Jeff's ACTUAL birthday was the Thursday right before Christmas break began.  It was a G'ma Colleen Day for the kids, so instead of having her get Grace after school, Jeff got her and we went over to Scott and Colleen's for a birthday dinner!  It was such a nice time--G'ma not only watched our kids but made dinner for us?!?  It was so sweet.

Grace's Music Program

Grace had a Christmas Concert during the last full week of school.  This year it was a Star Search theme, and the kids were trying to find the best Christmas Star.  She did a great job singing.  She was excited to have G'ma Colleen and Papa Scott come...and Brookie!...and we got to sit right by her friend Selah's parents.

I wonder what Joan got me for my birthday?

The latest John Grisham novel?!?  No way!!!  (He counts on this--and waits patiently for it--each year!)  Good job, Joan!

An "Aunt Beth" Package

Debbie's Aunt Beth loved to send little packages to our kids at random points throughout the year.  She passed away too early, and Debbie's mom, Yancey, decided to keep this tradition alive.  So G'ma Yancey stuffed this box full of TONS of surprises for the kids and we had such fun opening it the week before Christmas.  Water bottles, crafts, stickers, and toys!  Oh, such fun.

 Thanks, Yancey, for spoiling these knuckleheads!

"When Jesus was born in Nazareth..."

Micah loved all of the buttons of Christmas.  My mom gave us this vintage Nativity that narrates the Christmas story and has choir hymns throughout.  Micah turned on and then listened to over and over and over again.

Christmas Season WEARS US OUT!

At least grownups have coffee to help with this holiday problem...

Gingerbread House Night

Gingerbread House night is quickly becoming a holiday tradition for our growth group.  These kids are getting older and more creative each year.  These kids made careful consideration while building...they each got a bag of candy for their houses and could eat FOUR, so big decisions had to be made...

Sarabeth brought an advent activity read-aloud where each kid had a box to open...it is a diverse group of listeners!  :)

And just to record their little voices...