This year we had a pretty laid back Christmas. It seemed like everyone was out of town or unavailable, but it proved to be a special time for all. These are pics from Christmas night. Usually we go to Auntie Betty and Uncle Joe's for dinner with all the cousins and grandparents and all. Uncle Joe was sick and we missed them terribly, but we had a fun time at Nonnie and Papa's house. Mae kept us all entertained and we raided Nonnie's closet for our New Year's Celebration with the Menards (those pictures to come soon).
This photo needs a brief explaination...Sean has a fart program on his phone and Mae was making us all laugh with it (quite hysterically).
After we opened presents at Dave and Kathy's we made the trek to Otis for Round 2. (We love keeping life interesting!) If we had a craft-off this year, there's no question Geoff and Danelle would take the prize. Geoff made us an awesome game...we call it the Captain Hook game. Not surprisingly, it became the competition for this year's secret present. (Last year Mary won the hula-hooping contest and was rewarded with a book of baby names! HA!) Rachel schooled us all with over 4 (or was it 6?) "hooks". After some good family time, it was time for more family! We went to Auntie Betty and Uncle Joe's and had one of the best Christmas Dinners ever. Cousins were in town from Florida too so that made it extra special. Lots of laughing and loving and some home-spun entertainment by Madison (she's quite the dancer!) made for a great evening.
"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing that you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."