Cookies and Christmas Programs

We have had lots of fun Christmas activities this week.  We decorated our sugar cookies.  It was a lot of fun, and a lot of mess!

Savannah wasn't too impressed.

Haha, caught Luke getting in trouble. Uh-oh!

The big kids also had their preschool programs this week.  Unfortunately, just like last year, they were on opposite days, so we went to both.  Both sets of grandparents hung in there as well, and watched the same program two days in a row.  Luke's was first and the girls were the biggest wiggle worms around!  They were all over the place before the program started.

Luke was very excited to be an "actor".   He has no lines, but was chosen to walk in front of the wise men, holding the star gift and he held that thing up with pride!  He was so cute!

When it was his class' turn to sing in the front, he found his family and sang right to us.  He was very animated and took things very seriously.  A lady who we didn't know asked us "is that little boy your child?" We told her yes, and she told us he was a future thespian for sure!  Haha!  We also went to a nursing home to sing to the residents this week.  Luke was also the lead soloist, and even sang songs he made up.  That lady may be on to something.... :)

Audrey and Ben had their program today.  Ben was a stinker and acted like he didn't know us!

Audrey's class was right behind his.

Both of their classes got to sing up front together.  So fun to be in school with your cousin!

We couldn't be prouder of these three little people!

Trimming the "Tall Tree"

We rearranged our furniture since last Christmas, so now our tree is half blocked by the couch.  "He who will not be named" said we should wait to get a taller tree during the after Christmas sales, and  I decided to let Scrooge have his way. :)  So... mama did some improvising instead, and our tree is on top of a box.  Haha!  It may look a little ghetto, is not the most stable, and the presents are all falling off, but it will work for this year.  Obviously, no one really cares but me, and the kids love the "tall tree".  So here are the little loves decorating our tree this year.  Tis' the season!  

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year!  We have 3 beautiful, healthy kids, two extended families that live so close whom we love spending time with, a house we could only dream about, stable jobs, and most importantly, a Lord who loves us everyday and paid the ultimate price for our salvation in heaven!  Praise be the Lord to whom all blessings flow...

We got to spend Thanksgiving day with the Gahan side of the family.  I didn't get any pictures of them, but Uncle Jeff and Aunt Tracy we able to make it.  The kids worked all week decorating the house with crafts they had made.  Luke had been planning for weeks his "Thanks Festival".  He made signs, planned games, and was very excited about it all.  I wish I would have gotten more decor pictures.  Here is our Indian and Pilgrim waiting for the meal to start.

Savannah was a big kitchen "helper".

Brian may have set his alarm for 5am to get the turkey on The Big Green Egg.  We all made fun of him, but the turkey was literally the best one I have ever had.  We also made fun of him because he has a "meat monitor".  It looks like a baby monitor but tells you the temp of the meat and the egg.  It has been known to sit on his nightstand at night.  Haha!

After a wonderful meal, "some" people crashed on the couch."

Audrey had no problem telling everyone to "be quiet, I am trying to sleep."

The rest of the day was spent outside watching football, playing games, and eating pie!

The next day we headed out to the lake to spend time with the Gibson side.  It was so special because all of us were able to be there.  That hasn't happened in a long time!  The kids loved that Uncle G was in town!

We had a crazy big bonfire the first night.

The kids sang songs and entertained us all.

The royal dog was passed around on a pillow.  Ahhh... little Brady.

More entertainment.

Luke also did some fishing.  He didn't have any luck this time around.

Audrey and Ben helped with morning pancakes.  These two are peas in a pod.

Someone found a marker.

Mesmerized by Pop.

Morning coffee chats.

The PJ twins.

Tula brought out some games and the kids had so much fun.

Tula and Pop also decided to restart a tradition of giving.  We did it growing up, and you can buy goats, cows, medical supplies, bibles, soccer balls, and other things for those who are in need.  The big kids loved being a part of it.

We are truly blessed, and so thankful for all of God's gifts!  "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever!" -Psalm 107:1