Celebrating Christmas.

 Saturday, Dec 24

Christmas Eve.

We had the Billats that were in town (Ashlyn and Hailey) over for our Christmas Eve festivities.

After dinner we read and reenacted a condensed Nativity story:

A big thank you to Jonah, Mar, and Bill for filling in some vital roles.

Getting ready for the traditional candy game...

Once the Billats had gone home, we exchanged gifts.

I got all the older kids the same thing this year. I'm not sure how well-liked the gifts were, but it was worth a try. It was something I thought they would all enjoy - a bug catcher and some binoculars. It's hard to feel like I'm winning at the gift-giving game. I don't think I've ever given something that was cherished and loved. I've been contemplating what I can change, and would love to gift experiences, but those are usually more pricey, and I'm not wealthy yet haha.

Mar and Jonah were here for Christmas, so we also gave them the traditional Christmas Eve pjs.

Sunday, Dec 25

Christmas Day

The next morning was pretty darn chill. I hope Bill and I didn't bore Mar and Jonah to death.

Later that day, Grandma and Grandpa Syddall dropped by with some gifts for the great grands.

So sweet of them to stop by!

We worked on a puzzle - gifted to us by our dear friends the Billats.

Monday, Dec 26

Tay and Nae are here!

After having so many parties and events this year, it was super nice to have a relaxing Christmas Day and following day. More family fun to come!

Creative grands + cousin time.

 Saturday, Nov 12

Scarlett, in a burst of creativity, made some pretty awesome art pieces using computer paper, tape, and markers.

We have no idea where this masterpiece ended up - when she went to show her mom, we couldn't locate it ANYWHERE. I seriously have no idea how that happened. Good thing I captured it digitally.

Saturday, Nov 19

The Syddall Cousins are here!

They started strong with a few art projects,

and then Scarlett and Evie had lots dress-up fun (Scarlett was the "stylist").

Monday, Nov 21

The day started with some watercolors.

Then we met up with some of the cousins at Thanksgiving Point.

Our first stop was the Butterfly Biosphere.

Ice cream (and snack) break:

Then we cruised through the Dinosaur Museum.

Britt and Reese came over to chill for a bit after we got home.

Reesey was loving the basket.

Friday, Nov 25

Cousin Sleepover

An early morning Kewpie doll bath by Wonder Woman was first on the list of things to do.

Then a hot chocolate toast along with some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for breakfast.

Scarlett and Evie had some more dress-up fun.

Great Grandma Syddall had made the cutest Nativity kits for the kids to paint and put together. (Emmett and Brielle couldn't make it, so we scheduled another day for them to make theirs.)

These cute kids LOVE to paint and had such a good time working on their projects.

I was so grateful the mommas were there to assist ;-)

After finishing her Nativity, V decided that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus needed faces and some embellishment. I think it turned out so darling.

Friday, December 2

M and B came to paint their Nativities.

All the kids LOVED this fun project - THANK YOU Great Grandma!

I have loved having the kids all together. It's been so fun to watch them play, create, and enjoy each other. These little souls have my heart ♥