Christmas Joy 2009

Whew! I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. It was such a whirlwind this year! We've been so busy, but the time seemed so short. Our family Christmas was really wonderful though. We had Christmas with the Skows the weekend before, and this time they all came to our house. It was a short, but sweet visit. Then, we stayed here in College Station until the Christmas Eve service at our church. The service was especially fun and stressful this year because Dawson had a "children's choir" sing a couple of songs at the beginning of it. Caleb sang in the little choir, and I lead it! It was crazy!! But so precious! Then after the service, we drove to Hutto and didn't get there until 11:00pm. Of course, we still had to put out cookies for Santa, finish "What God wants for Christmas" and a few other Christmas Eve traditions. The next morning was awesome. There was an ungodly amount of presents for the kids....mostly from my parents, and fun stuff for us too. One of the more memorable events was when the Christmas tree came tumbling down onto Tracy!! Thankfully she wasn't hurt, and the tree survived the fall. I also made my first "coffee cake" for Jesus's birthday cake. It turned out pretty good. For the rest of the day, we ate ourselves sick.

It's sad how Adelyn's first Christmas without there being much fuss about it being her first! :( I remember with Caleb, it was a HUGE deal, and then with Ellie--it was still a BIG deal, and then with Adelyn, it wasn't much of a deal at all. But I did put her hand-me-down bib on her, and take a picture. :/ I think the most important thing is that it was a Christmas full of good memories for all.
Tearing into the goodies

Adelyn and her beautiful Auntie Leah

A couple of cuties in front of our Christmas central :)


We've been addicted to hot chocolate and hot cider this winter...a regular scene in our house!

Walking in on Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought them!

Excited about the new camo undies! :)

Trying out the new bike!

The requested baby doll and "baby doll chair"?!?

Already a professional at unwrapping gifts....

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus....I love this tradition!


The family sitting around playing poker--don't worry, no real money changed hands!

Taking the obligatory picture of the "First Christmas" bib....she was so tired after the yummy meal.


One of my favorites--the cutest little elf ever!!