It's The Reason For The Season

This time of year brings rushed days and late nights preparing for Christmas and all the fun events leading up to it. Each year that passes I find that we seem to be creating new traditions with the kids to make their holidays even more special. I wonder how we will fit it all in as the years go by.

We are only partway into the season and have already shared many great memories with our friends and family. Last weekend we hosted our annual Christmas party and it was great to see everyone and catch up. As usual the white elephant gift exchange was a high light of the evening and we had some interesting gifts again this year.

I need to get better about pulling the camera out more often when we have the group together. Here's two lovely ladies who will be adding two more little ones to our circle of friends next year.
McKenzie can't wait to meet her new friends and thinks Rachel should name her baby Bob.



The boys opening a video game filled package from Kristy.  I know all the guys will be watching which gift Kristy brings in next year.


Kate and Will celebrating their victory in getting the bottle of wine I labeled just for Kate.


This past weekend we headed down to meet Gina and Atticus at Carrie's house to let the kids have their own friends Christmas party. With six kids on the loose it was a wild affair but a good time was had by all and the moms actually got a few minutes of visiting in. It was a tiny vision of times to come when we can get together and just let the kids run off and play. Ben is our littlest guy and he did a great job keeping up with the big kids and not getting into too much trouble.

Here's what six kids look like at the end of a very fun evening. Next time we will take the picture right when we walk in the door before everyone gets wild.


Atti and Ben playing a little song for the ladies. It's so funny when we get Atti and Ben together, half the time Gina and I can't figure out who's kid is who and so we both just watch out for the little blond boys.


Lovely ladies having some dinner together. McKenzie, Halle and Mikelle all had a great time playing together.


After dinner we made Gingerbread houses and my serious girl Kenzie put the decorations on so carefully.


Here's her finished product.  I love the lady floating over the door.


A huge thank you to Carrie for opening up her house to all of us and letting the kids burn off some of their extra energy.  Love getting these kiddos together!