Christmas Memories

Last year before Christmas we allowed the children to open one gift -- of course it was pajamas from us so that they could wear them on the last day of school. That doesn't sound very exciting but they were thrilled! So we did it again but this year they each wrapped a gift for one another and really enjoyed seeing what each one got the other. What I love is that they couldn't stop thanking each other!

Below Langley is enjoying her Christmas party with her best friend Miriam Jane.



Bennett in his new PJs at his class party.



A couple of years ago my sister-in-law had a great idea to get the Barnes' cousins together to decorate cookies for Christmas. The children really love it and the cookies are yummy! We try to save some for Santa but that doesn't always happen.

 

We also try to get a group picture...this one turned out great!

We've also done a small gift exchange which of course the children love!

Christmas trip to Centralia

The weekend before Christmas, we all headed up to Centralia to visit with Poppa Jack, Coco and to meet our new baby cousin - Jackie.  Below Langley is having a good time rocking with Coco and baby Jackie.

Bennett and Josephine goofing around before bedtime.

Everyone is all lined up for Coco's Christmas surprise. It kind of looks like Josie isn't so sure about Parker....maybe it is her outfit...

This is kind of random but it is amazing how fast Parker is growing up and the way she is learning to communicate. Below is a "text" that she typed on the tablet for me. If you can't read it it says "this is not werking so can you fix this." One of the games must have shut down and she couldn't get it to work anymore. This was at the end of her first semester of 1st grade and she was just learning how to read, spell and journal. I love reading all her little notes she jots down around the house and this is just one that reminds me how fast they grow up!

Two sleepy men.....

We woke up early Christmas Eve and headed back to Greenwood so that the children could participate in our Christmas Eve service at Mass. Also, Bennett needed to get home so that he could put out the reindeer food so they would bring Santa to our house.

We had a wonderful time in Centralia but unfortunately we didn't get a lot of pictures. Sarah, do you have any?

Happy Valentine's Day

Langley was so sweet to leave me a Valentine surprise in her bed when she woke up this morning! Oh the things we moms smile at these days! Hope everyone had a wonderful day!