Christmas Eve

We did things a little differently this year on Christmas Eve. We had our party at the church (we have grown so much that we don't all fit (comfortably) at any one's house. We used several rooms so we were pretty spread out.

In the multipurpose room, we had a game of Bingo going (tradition), we played the left/right game (and had some awesome gifts - for example, batteries, toy not included), we ate lots of yummy food, exchanged gifts, took pictures of the girls in holiday sweaters (all from mom's closet) and of the kids in new pajamas and hung out till Santa was too close for us to not get the kids in bed.

Erin, Atley, Gauge, Brynlee, Cambree, Mason

The sisters always to do a little exchange. Jamie did these darling boards with our names on them, Lynsee did fingernail polish and mani kits, Cari did homemade jewelry, Alisha did a frame with our initials, mom did some cute scarves and I did nada (too poor this year). It's always fun because most of the gifts are homemade and the creativity amongst these ladies is amazing!

Jamie, Lynsee, Alisha, Cari, me

We had the gym to use so we played HORSE for a while - which is always fun! We couldn't talk Josh into touching a basketball so he worked on his kick (with a soccer ball, of course) and managed to break a light on the ceiling. Oops.

We also set up Rock Band in one of the classrooms. That was fun! I always love Rock Band - especially with big groups. The kids and adults always have fun with it.

Cari has been dating a guy named Travis and he came to our Christmas Eve party. I was excited to finally meet him! She is a happy girl with him!

By the time we got home, the kids were tired and ornery about having another picture taken (just like every other year). But, they humored me and I got this cute one. They are all growing up too fast! It is so fun this time of year with them. Josh has always been all about traditions and I love that about him. Even if it's something that a typical teenage boy would find boring, Josh loves it because it's what we do and it's with the family.