Bikes on the Boardwalk

We loved soakin' up the sun in sunny California as we road bikes along the board walk. Xander did quite well in his special seat behind me. He was able to pedal on his own so he felt like he was working as much as the rest of us.

Christmas Gift Exchange

My favorite part of Christmas this year was helping the kids pick out and pay for gifts for their siblings. Each child was very thoughtful in their selections. Some wanted to choose gifts that they would want themselves, but in the end put their siblings interests first.

We have tried to figure out the best solution for the kids to give each other gifts. We have drawn names, so they only have to choose one gift. We have helped them pay for gifts for everyone. But as they have gotten older and have had opportunities to earn money, we decided they should buy all their siblings a gift. 

After our Ice Skating and dinner adventure, we returned home for the kids to exchange gifts with each other. In the past, I have always given them Christmas PJs that night as well, but since my mom gives them out at Thanksgiving, I didn't feel the need this year. And I am so glad I didn't; it would have taken away from the feelings of the night. The gift exchange between all the kids was a moving experience. I think they felt the joy of giving and getting, and they felt the love they have for each other. It was truly a gift for me, as a parent, to be a part of this experience. 

They don't spend too much on each other, but they really think about what their brothers/sister want. Jacob and Grant got each other the exact same thing this year. I knew they were doing it, but I thought it was so sweet and funny that I let it happen. It was hilarious--they really care a lot about each other.

Ryan wanted to get Alaina her own sled, but it was a bit more than he could afford, so he asked Jacob to go in on it with her. 

Lately, Ryan has been craving attention from Jacob. He wants to rough house with him whenever he can. So, Jacob decided to get Ryan some Nerf gun bullets so they could have wars. We already have a bunch of guns, we were just out of ammunition. I thought Jacob was being cheap, but it turned out to be one of Ryan's favorite gifts and has led to several Nerf gun wars with all the kids. My heart is happy just remembering. 

Grant bought Alaina Twinkies and Cookie Crisp Cereal. This was another gift I wasn't so sure of, but turns out, she loved them! She even shared with her little brothers, which was sweet. 

We are definitely going to keep this tradition going.

California, Here We Come

Winter gets cold and dull and we were craving the sun, so we set out for the beach a few days after Christmas. We had the best hosts in the world. Holland fed us well, and let us literally take over her new home for four days. They had just moved in a week earlier. They are truly saints to put up with our crew! When we arrived, Holland layed out a bunch of yummy snacks on the table for us, then told us she was taking the kids to the park so that Matt and I could unpack. It was the sweetest welcome ever.

Walking back from the park

Family Traditions

 Four years ago, we were going to be with just our kids for Christmas Eve, without all the extended family. We wanted the night to be simple but memorable, so we went downtown to the outdoor skating rink, then out to dinner. We aren't too fancy, so we chose an easy restaurant: Sizzler. It worked out so well, that we tried it again the next year. Christmas morning that year, I woke up with a stomach bug and missed out on the day. The third year, we skipped the ice skating and postponed it a few days, but we still went to Sizzler. Matt and the kids were looking forward to it so much, that I couldn't deny them the chance.

Unfortunately, the next morning (Christmas) I woke up sick with a stomach bug. I began to see a trend. So, this year I vetoed Sizzler. I was not going to miss another Christmas morning, so no more Sizzler! (I work too hard to make the day a success, I don't enjoy missing the fun).  

Christmas Eve, about 4:00 p.m., we bundled up and headed to the outdoor skating rink again. Aunt Kristina joined us and we enjoyed the beautiful, frigid night out on the rink. Even Xander tried to skate. We had a lot of fun and all agreed to keep it as a family tradition. (Although, the rink was packed, so we're looking for a new venue).

Xander was the highlight of our night when he was learning how to walk with ice skates on. When he first stood up, he immediately fell over, but got back up and tried again until he could walk all around with out falling--he's very coordinated and has great balance. 

Homemade Bread

At school Alaina had a "Quest". She had to choose different activities to better herself. Some of the quests were to run one mile, then run one mile again and beat her first time. Sleep on the floor for 7 nights. Make dinner for the family one night. Babysit for someone voluntarily and without pay. Jump rope for 1 minute, then jump rope another minute and beat the number of rotations. She also had to learn how to make bread. She was a natural. I showed her how to mix the dough and knead it. She kneaded it really smooth. When she was rolling it out, she came up with the idea to make it into a wreath. 

Great job Alaina!

Christmas PJs

We have a new tradition in recent years. Grandma Cook started giving the kids Christmas PJs on Thanksgiving night. It is great to wear Christmas all month long. 

Showing off and loving her new pjs

All Dressed Up

A great night out with my hubby for his work Christmas Party.

It was fun to dress up fancy for the night. 

Thanksgiving Fun

After our Thanksgiving Feast, the kids were lucky enough to decorate gingerbread houses. I love the concentration they are all giving to their work. They spent a lot of time on these houses until they were just perfect.

When the houses were all decorated, all bets were off and they started to dig into the candy.