Sledding!

My little snow angel

Getting ready to make a run down the hill.

Sam pulling Ella over to the hill.

The kids were excited to finally use the sled I bought back in November. We got about five inches of fluffy snow here in Springfield and they enjoyed playing in it!

White Christmas

This year we actually got a white Christmas. Be careful what you wish for though since the fluffy stuff came down hard and caused some problems. My sister, her husband and my niece ended up spending Christmas Eve at my parents so they did not have to drive home in bad weather. Grace decided not to get out in the snow and my cousin Brian and his wife Lauren arrived late only after being rescued from the snow by my uncle, cousin and brother.

While travel was a problem the get together was wonderful. Everyone had fun visiting, playing and opening gifts. We had a huge table full of yummy goodies and then a turkey dinner. Needless to say our bellies were never empty. My kids were spoiled once again by family. I only hope that they know how lucky they truly are to be surrounded by so much love.

Santa visits

Sam will love me for this picture some day but the kid won't sleep in pajamas.

We made special arrangements this year for Santa to visit a day early. We were going to be in Kansas City Christmas morning and wanted Santa to visit our house. Luckily, he agreed and brought the gifts so they were there Christmas Eve morning.

Sam was very excited to receive a DSi and game and Ella loved her new table and chairs. They each also received a hardback book. Santa went ahead and delivered stockings on regular schedule at Grandma's house.

Medley Christmas

Ellie trying to catch a marshmallow while Sarah snaps a photo.

Hannah shooting the marshmallow gun.

Sam opening one of his gifts.

Ella in her new Tinkerbell chair

We had John's family over on December 23rd to celebrate Christmas. We had some wonderful snacks and lasagna and everyone ate until they were stuffed. The kids had a great time opening gifts and the adults enjoyed watching them. To Ella the big hits were her Tinkerbell chair and Kai Lan big wheel. For everyone else I think the hit was Sam's marshmallow shooter. They had a great time firing marshmallows everywhere and then trying to shoot them across the room into each other's mouths. It was a nice Christmas!