Date Night!

My parents watched the kids so Jake and I, along with some friends, could go out and enjoy dinner and bowling together one night.  Dates are such a rare blessing!  :)  Even with my goofy husband...

Celebrating Mom & Dad's 60th Birthdays!

I can't believe my parents are 60!  Haha... okay, now this sounds like birthday posts for my kids, but it is true.  I suppose I will always just think of them as Mom and Dad.  Age really doesn't matter.

While they were visiting for the holidays Jake and I took them out to Josephine's for an adult celebration dinner.  We had a wonderful time eating delicious food and chatting at our table by the fireplace!

And, to Payson for Christmas Day!

After a cozy morning at home, we all piled into the van (I'm still so thankful for our van!) and headed to Payson to spend the day and night with our family there.  Jamie and Derek put out a yummy dinner for the clan and we, of course, enjoyed some more present opening time.

Bubba, Patty & Wyatt

Granddaddy, Nana & Karlynn

Jamie, Bryce, Derek, Nate

Brian & Donna

Grandkid pile!

Bubba pile!

Someone got a big gift!

Christmas Morning at Home

As just about always, we got to enjoy Christmas morning at home this year.  While very little is ever quiet in our house, it was a peaceful and fun morning.  Everyone was excited about their gifts and we even got to try out a new recipe for Gluten Free French Toast Casserole which was pretty excellent!

Simple Christmas Eve

A whole bunch of snow rushed in on Christmas Eve which trapped us at home.  We were sad to miss Christmas Eve service at church, but still enjoyed a yummy homemade dinner and some good family time.  As always, everyone got to open "just one" present before bed.

He's cute, but he's crazy!

Yes, this is my husband outside washing the cars.  In the winter.  In the snow.  In MY flipflops.  With socks.

Does my heart so good!

This was a Christmas-themed assignment Micah completed at school this month.  Gotta say that I was so proud of my sweet boy!  Way to go, buddy!  100%!!! 

**In case you can't read the pic, the question is... What do you think the meaning of Christmas is?  Write and illustrate below.  (Micah wrote "Jesus!" and drew a baby in a cradle.  The candy cane is his teacher's stamp.)

Time for a snowman!