Vacation...Happy New Year!

  I went for a mid-day run today.  I know it's vacation if I'm going on a run in the middle of the day.  We have had such wonderfully relaxing week.  A little shopping, a little organizing, a little exercising and a lot of playing and eating yummy food.   I think I've only officially cooked one meal since Christmas eve.  No deadlines, no schedule, I am loving it.

The kids and Doug have just about beat their new Lord of the Rings wii game. We went to a couple of movies. The big kids and I saw the Hobbit and Doug took the little ones to Wreck it Ralph.

The boys have been finishing up their Lego projects.

Mer has been crocheting a little blanket for her adopted baby sister. :)

Max is loving his Kindle

Doug and I have been diligently working on one hard puzzle.  We are slowing down now though, all the pieces that are left look the same.  It is a bit discouraging.

We are getting outside too, enjoying bike rides and long walks where we play football as we go.

Doug throwing with the neighborhood kids

And tonight it's party time.  New Years eve!  Everybody picked out their favorite appetizer from the frozen food section and we had a no prep feast.

Followed by some fireworks enjoyed from the back of Doug's truck.

Ooh, aaah!

Jack helped Doug light one.

Mer even had her own little dance party going on singing Taylor Swift for us all to enjoy.

The kids hope to stay up until midnight, but I'm not sure the little ones will make it.  We've never let them all stay up before.  It will prove for a very cranky day  tomorrow I fear.  

We are passing time watching shows in the fort.

playing Lord of the rings, 

and being schooled by Luke in Memory. 

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Morning

As the story goes, Jack and Max woke up around 3am and went through their stockings with flashlights. I think next year we need to copy the Balenas and cover the entrance of the hall with wrapping paper :)

the calm before the storm.

Let the opening begin!

"nobody touch my marbles"

My favorite was the brother hugging.

Max got right to work on his Sopwith Camel

Jack was happy Santa filled the little stocking he made with Cherry Canday Canes.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

It's Christmas Eve!

The children are nestled all snug in their beds.  The dishes are done, the kitchen floor is scrubbed, and the presents almost all wrapped.  We're ready for Christmas!  We just finished a lovely dinner with fun friends but, before tell you about the festivities of the night, here are a few more details from our weekend I don't want to forget.  We got a few Christmas presents in the mail that were supposed to be opened before Christmas.  So whenever we needed a little extra diversion between chores and shopping, we opened a present.  With Ben's gift were some freebies from Crocs. Luke and Jack instantly dressed up as twins.

Luke wrapped all his presents for everyone. He's growing up way too fast but I think it's so cute that he can write everyone's names and recite how to spell them.

Becky and Jesse sent such a cute Christmas decoration. Thank you we love it.

We also spent a bunch of time doing fun Christmas related activities sent to us by Jer and Heidi. Thank You!!

Sunday we went Christmas Caroling.  We sang to 6 families I think.  Fun times.

 Today we paused from getting ready for our dinner party to go watch Rise of the Guardians.  Then we came home and finished whipping up dinner.  We decked out the back porch with lights and Snowflakes

We feasted on Mexican food, Honey Lime Enchiladas, Tamale pie, Shredded beef tacos, and Black bean salsa. Mmmm! and for Dessert...Key Lime coconut squares and Panera Chocolate Pastries.

We followed tradition and acted out the Nativity.  

The Birth of Christ

Angels Sang

Wiseman saw..

Wisemen Came.

 The program continues with some musical performances.

Mer played too!

When everyone left we opened one family present.  Thank you for Brave, Uncle Ben and Aunt Brea.

Luke wrapped up an ornament he made especially for Santa.

The kids set out treats for Santa plus Luke's gift and a picture Jack made for him.

Then we watched some parts of Christmas Vacation....with Doug's finger on the mute button  :)

Merry Christmas Eve!