Christmas Night

 Nana and Papa brought Grandma Ogle over Christmas night.

Grandma Ogle gets to observe the chaos first hand!




Ooo, a horse carrier.  Exactly like I picked out.



This looks like it can make a lot of noise!  I hope it has an off switch.

Christmas Day

What a mess!

 

Baby Evan.



I'm directing traffic, here.



Evan is investigating everything.

Here Grandma, this is for you.

What else do I have in my bag?

Christmas Morning

Look, our stockings are so full that they could no longer hang.



Let me help you, Cody.



Wook, another twain!

This must be for the cats.

Whoops, I think Cody needs more help.

Christmas Eve

'Twas the night before Christmas, and we were with Scotty and Pam
eating lil' smokies, tetrazini, salad, pie, cake and ham.
We made the children pose in front of the tree for this great shot,
Then the mayhem began as they tore off the wrappings to see what they'd got.
Shoes, boots, pjs, puzzles, a truck that really goes,
Lincoln logs, boat trailer, tea set, and a machine that sews.
We were elated, overwhelmed, and convinced we'd had more than enough
When Daddy and I were given boots, shirts, edibles, and a bunch of whiffy stuff.
Then, exhausted we all collapsed in front of the big TV,

Claire opening her sewing machine.

And laughed 'till we cried watching Despicable Me.

It was finally time to load everything up in the car.

I'm so glad we don't have to drive very far.

We still have many preparations of our own to make

For Christmas morning when our two precious children awake.

Cody opening his truck pulling a boat trailer.

Gingerbread Train

We enjoyed assembling and decorating this gingerbread train.  (Then, two hours later, both children enjoyed disassembling and eating it!)

Zoo In Winter



"Oh dear, I can't believe I allowed myself to
be talked into this!"



School is out for Christmas break!  Well, public school is.  Homeschool can take the day off whenever it is needed.  Or wait, we can just do a field trip!  The weather could not be more accommodating.  Grab the stroller, the zoo pass, refillable zoo cups, the cousins, and let's GO!

As you can see, we began our day visiting the newly remodeled children's zoo.  It being such a warm day, guess who was out?  Yep, after a brief stop at the Nectaraunt, we braved the Lorikeet exhibit.  Ignore the date on the picture, I'm a lousy camera operator.



Makenna is a natural at this!
No look of horror on her face!





"A bird on the head is worth two in the bush."







"They may try to leave me
behind, but I'm too fast! 
They will NEVER
lose me!"



My little mini-scientist is thinking,
"this small bird just drank a whole cup
of nectar.  It is going to excrete the
waste at any moment.  Oh no,
I'm going to be a bird toilet!"









We'll never be too old for the carousel.




WE LOVE THE ZOO!



Church Christmas Program

Pre-Program Prep:  the making of an angel.

This year, the children were given the opportunity to participate in a real, live church Christmas program.  They rehearsed and practiced their little hearts out.  On the night of the program, I was shocked as close to 100 people packed into our tiny church.  I'm certain we exceeded fire code safety.  My parents stated that they had not had the pleasure of seeing an old-fashioned, country church, children's program in years.  In a small church like ours, children = babies through teens.  All participate, the older ones helping the little ones.  I just love everything about it!

Claire playing Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.

Glory to the newborn King.

Wisemen from the East.