Cousin Time

 On the 26th, Russ and Julie returned home and we went to Green Bluff to visit the cousins.

  The kids exchanged gifts and both boys got Nerf guns and the girls got talking animals. 

 The gingerbread house met it's demise shortly after our arrival.

 Gram scored a piece of her work of art!

 As the snow began to fall, we enjoyed some sledding.

 Miami kids love snow!

 The tried some trains

 and weren't phased by the ensuing accidents!

 At the bottom of the hill, Tyson declared, "Shannon's dead!"

 The next morning we went on a nature walk.

 Mitch pulled the other two for a bit.

 They loved exploring, eating snow, making faces, and trekking...until they didn't. It was a LONG walk!

Beautiful winter scene on the bluff.

Merry & Bright

The kids awoke to Santa's gifts and full stockings! 

The grands came over and watched the early gift opening. 

 Shannon received a chapter book from Santa and commenced reading at once!

 We lit the Advent candles and the children did the readings.

 It was a slow lighting ceremony! Then we had breakfast and the blasted cat peed on our unopened gifts.

 After breakfast, we opened gifts!

A cheerful pair of recipients!

 Mitch received a Swiss Army knife from Russ and Julie and it was required for opening most other presents...

 Oh! Opening his new baseball glove!

 Russ refinished and refurbished Grampa Allstot's axe and gifted the special version to Dad. Lots of thoughtful details.

 The calendar tradition continues!

Shan just read and read!

We wrapped up the day with the Cotters, Johnsons, Allstots, Pobsts and us having a soup dinner and celebrating my birthday. A happy Christmas indeed!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was with the Allstots and we went to the Presbyterian church together.

 A merry bunch of celebrants!

 The forced photo by the tree yields questionable results...

 After the service, we returned to Mom and Dad's for our traditional buffet and were joined by Dave, Vicki, Rachel and Kevin.

 Grama and Grampa got to spend the night and it went well!

 Snow began to fall...

 ...and Uncle Russ helped the kids track Santa's progress on NORAD.

Shannon read to us and then we went home so Santa could come.

Christmas Vacation Commences!

Russ and Julie arrived on the 21st, just as we got out of school. The kids (and us, too!) were thrilled to have them come stay at our place. That night it snowed so our first day of break began with a neighborhood sledding extravaganza!

 Neighbor grandkids, dogs and a 4-wheeler provided ample entertainment!

 The special treat after this sledding run was the strong scent of exhaust that covered the children!

 Happy snow bunny!

 Back inside, Uncle Russ was the play toy of choice.

 After a full day of fun at home, we left for Johnsons and cousin time.

 Mitch and Shan got to spend the nights of the 22nd and 23rd at Johnsons so as to maximize their cousin time. 

We did gifts with Johnsons on the 23rd and it was a happy mess.

Then we feasted on fondue and enjoyed the traditional Christmas Vacation viewing.

 We all went to the Baptist church for Christmas Eve morning's service before parting ways.

A merry Johnson crew.

Final Preparations

We are ready for Christmas around here!

 Tyler and Bailey Watson stopped by for a Sunday visit on their way home from Leavenworth.

 The Christmas concert was a classic. Mitch sang everything, but did not smile (much) or participate in the gestures. Here he stands next to Hunter with Cale and Abby also in the photo.

 The PAC was packed and my photos were mostly blurry. Still, I was pleased to be there!

 Shannon was next to Cora, of course. She was an animated singer!

One more day of school and then the festivities begin in earnest!

Weekend Update

We had a busy week which culminated in a busy weekend. 'Tis the season!

Shan enjoyed a visit from Christa in her classroom this week as they wrote to Santa. Cute cheeseballs!

The kids and I went to Literacy Night on Thursday and they posed with Olaf.

Bryan was gone every night this week with an overnight absence on Saturday. Still, he has decorated the house exterior nicely, even lighting the tall tree he claimed to hate. It looks great!

Saturday afternoon the kids ran the Jingle Bell Fun Run. Carrie and Jack, did, too, and Grampa A was the walking chaperone in case of meltdowns along the course.

They sported goofy elf caps!

And they're off!

Shan was a trooper - 5K is a long way for those short legs! She came in 67th overall and did finish with a smile! Gramps was a cheerleader and Grandpa Johnson was along the course encouraging both kiddos, too!

Mitchell finished 13th overall and was first in his age group of 0-9 years. He really hustled! And was happy to accept cocoa from Grama A at the finish line!

Then he walked up the course and helped Shannon finish. 

We also got our tree lit and decorated this weekend! Mitch is a very focused ornament hanger.

Shannon was a helper, too!
Now, we are almost ready for the holidays!