Branson, MO

So so grateful that the Nally's came out to the Midwest for Christmas break and gave us a reason to go to Branson! Not only were they great company, they were wonderful tour guides (since they had been there and we hadn't). They took us to all the fun shows and museums. It was a very entertaining place! Best part of the trip by far though was the hang time - playing games, making breakfast for dinner together, walking around the shops and seeing the fancy fountain. The kids love their cousins and I love, love, love my big sister!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day brought its usual magic. I did not take our togetherness for granted. Nolan turns 18 this year and we now have only one Christmas left with all our sweet babies under one roof. I feel myself grieving the coming change and it hasn't even happened yet. Anyway, I tried to capture all the smiles as they opened their treasures. Mae got her skates (which strengthened her faith in Santa), Reed got not one but two Pokemon video games, Liam's favorite was a high-tech light saber, Hanna is all fashion and her fancy Vans, airsoft guns and gear for Colby, and blue tooth earbuds for Nolan. Plus the group gift of a giant Lego Movie II lego set (one of my favorite things to give the kids - they are amazing with legos!). We did lots of lounging around, a little bit of cleaning (stomach flu stuff), and before the day was over we had to start getting packed up for our trip to Branson!

Christmas Eve

We had Christmas with our Kansas family this year (Gordons, Gma Wellman, Barneses, McElyeas, Beireises and missionaries). I feel so blessed and thankful to be surrounded by loved ones so far from our actual home - especially Chrysta (still cant believe my sister is here!).

After a fancy dinner we played fish bowl (a charades game). Then Scott read the Christmas story as the kids acted it out. We had to enlist the missionaries because we were short on wise men - it was really sweet. After company left and mom went to bed, Scott and I and Chrysta and Jonny watched It's a Wonderful Life and put the presents out. All went pretty well except for a few of us had stomach flu. Reed and Eden threw up that night and there would be more puking on Christmas Day! Didn't seem to dampen anybody's spirits, though. We shared some precious moments in prayer together (before bed and before gifts) thanking God for the gift of His Son. We also sang a few Christmas hymns after putting on our new jammies. Those were my favorite moments.