December 23rd the kids and I headed down to my parents' after church to spend time with my family and spend the night. The kids had fun playing together, and my sisters and I went shopping once we got the boys down for a nap. It was so nice to spend some quality time with just them - no kids around. We definitely need to do that more often. After supper, the kids ran off some energy by running around the circle in mom and dad's house. They would make a lap and then throw themselves on the rug in the living room only to get up and do it all over again. They were so cute to watch! After the kids went to bed, we stayed up late playing games. The next morning was Christmas Eve. David had to work so he didn't come over with Hannah and Gabe, and she wanted to head home to be with him so we opened presents Christmas Eve morning instead. The boys loved opening this year! I know Coye last year took forever and the girls basically did most of his presents for them. This year he did it all himself and loved it! The kids of course were spoiled and we ate tons of yummy food before heading home to get ready for the Christmas Eve service at church. I was in charge of it again, so I had to be there early. It was a rush trying to get everyone ready on time, but we made it. The service was good and the girls did a good job with their parts (Chloe sang and did a poem with her class, Aubrey was Mary and also sang a song and did a poem with her class). They were pretty wound up by the time we got home, but we got them to bed with the promise of more presents in the morning.
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| Gabe rounding the corner |
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| Next comes Coye |
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| The girls were each in charge of a boy to chase |
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| Gabe loved falling on the rug |
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| And bouncing on Chloe |
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| Present time! |
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| Patiently waiting |
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| Four of the seven grandkids - just missing Nic's kids (hopefully next year we'll all be together again!) |
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| Mom, Dad, and the kids |
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| Coye's turn to open |
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| Gabe's turn |
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| Chloe's book from Aunt Dani - it's ADORABLE and so fitting. It's about an older sister who wants a younger sister just like her but gets Chloe instead. In the end, she's happy to have Chloe though. Sound familiar? :) |
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| Aubrey's Hello Kitty from Grandpa and Grandma |
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| Books! |
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| Hannah and Gabe |
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| Chloe's turn |
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| Chloe's other new book |
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| Calvin got foot long Twizzlers - ridiculous! |
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| Coye loved doing Gabe's puzzle |
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| Danielle took a picture of me to prove that I was there. :) |
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| Aubrey's American Girl Doll School kit from Aunt Norma and Uncle Al - she LOVES it! |
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| Another of me and Chloe |
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| Gabe |
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| Dad opening his Kindle Fire - he was pretty excited! |
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| Aubrey and Daddy before leaving |
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| Chloe and Daddy before leaving |
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| All dressed and ready to go |
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| My sweet little angels |
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| Gosh she's so big! |
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| She is too - how did that happen?! |
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| He was being uncooperative so this is the best we've got. |
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| Mommy and Coye |