Christmas!

In case I haven't mentioned it, and my 200 posts this month don't make it clear, I LOVE Christmas. I love the joy and happiness that surround the season, and not just for the gifts and family and traditions, but for what we're actually celebrating. The gift that God gave us in baby Jesus truly takes my breath away. And because of all of the above reasons, I'll not only listen to Christmas music the whole month of December, but sing it at the top of my lungs, thankyouverymuch (ahem, Matt).

Anyway, here are a couple of shots of the kids a few days before Christmas enjoying the gifts that they got from Matt's assistant and her daughter, who is also their favorite babysitter.

On Christmas Eve, we had a quiet family day. We went out to breakfast, then the kids opened up a couple of games that we'd gotten for them. Pancake Pile-Up was the biggest hit.

Miles got into the spirit, complete with Santa hat and inside-out undies. He wouldn't stand still long enough for me to get a decent picture, but it was pretty funny.

After checking out their gifts from Santa, we headed to stockings and Ozzie opened his first.

Daddy shared his cinnamon Santas.

Brooke was very excited about her science kit from Santa.

Miles got some superhero swag, although he's used his firetruck tent from Santa the most.

Paige seemed most excited about her stocking goodies. She kept the hat on and the baby in her hands for quite awhile.

Merry Christmas to all!

Alley Family Christmas

On Christmas morning, we headed over to Matt's parents' to open gifts after we'd opened our own. The kids were excited to check out their stockings.

Family selfie stick shot!

Bri got a wagon that I think my kids enjoyed more than her that morning. And we have the exact same one in our garage.

Miles is holding a picture of Matt in the same jacket when he was Miles' age. So sweet! And the jacket is really cool!

We was pumped about his hockey gear.

Paige just wanted to climb around in the paper.

Brooke was excited about her suitcase - with her name on it! She "practiced" rolling it around the house.

Then we headed over to Grandma Audie's for more fun.

Grandma Audie and the girls.

Paige got a laptop from Uncle Dave and a train from Grandma Audie.

We headed home for Paige to nap, then went back to Matt's parents' for dinner. Uncle Dave and Kevin brought cars that they made with the kids. They were a hit!

I think this is our first picture with Paige standing!

...and then she wasn't.

...and then no one was.

Family shot.

Funny pic!

All the girls.

All the guys.

The big kids.

Sisters!

See you guys in Florida!

Christmas in St.Louis

We went down to St. Louis last weekend to celebrate Christmas with our family down there. They're always so gracious to plan the celebration around our schedule, and we really appreciate it. We got there on Saturday evening because everyone had something going early in the day. Paige headed to her favorite chair. She is all about kid-sized chairs.

My dad gave the kids a little Chinese checkers tutorial. They were over there for awhile and I think at least the big girls were getting the hang of it.

Then they got to open their gifts from my Aunt Nancy. Her gifts never disappointed when we were little, and the tradition is continuing with our kids.

The next morning we went out to breakfast as a family, then everyone came over to Tim and Krissi's for dinner and gifts. I didn't get a picture of the tree, but suffice it to say, we have some VERY lucky kids. I'm happy to say that seemed very thankful for all that they got. The biggest hiccup was when Brooke didn't get the pogo stick that Lexi got (on my advice). She's holding out hope for one for next year.

Sweet Lexi used Christmas money that she'd been given to buy gifts for Brooke, Miles and Luke. So sweet!

We were treated to a magic show with Brooke's new kit, which was cute until she started fighting with her assistant.

The next day, we saw the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie. Then my parents watched the kids while I met with my high school friends for what felt like much too short a time. That night, we went to dinner, looking at lights, and to Ted Drewes.

The girls LOVE Jenn.

Tuesday was my Grandpa's 81st birthday, so we stopped by there to wish him happy birthday.

Unfortunately, I only got a photo of his feet behind Miles. Fail.

Before we left that afternoon, the kids gave Grace and early birthday party since we'll be in Florida for her actual party.

Happy birthday early, sweet Gracie! We love you!