Bowling with Friends

The other night some sweet friends invited us to go bowling.

I am so glad we went...the kids had a blast!

Kennan got a STRIKE on his first time!!

This little ramp thing for the bowling ball was great!

Grayson took bowling very seriously... And got 2nd place on the kid's side!!!

(Thanks to the ball ramp thing!)

Kennan LOVED the music selection at the bowling alley. Here's one of his sweet moves!

Date Night!

The other night was Dad's Night at Brayden's school. All of the kiddos get to bring their dad's (or uncle or grandpa, etc) and they eat some chili and then put on a little program for them. Brayden and Kenny had a great night and I snapped two pics before they took off...

While they were gone, I took the boys on a mom/son date to Walmart. Doesn't get better than that does it?!?! They look so excited...

We ate at Subway and then had a few groceries on our list. Kennan got the Skylanders Wii game for Christmas, so every time we go to Walmart we HAVE to look for Skylanders. Well, Thursday night was our lucky night because they had 6 of the figures that Kennan doesn't have. He was super excited and paid for some with his Christmas money and then I bought the rest to give him for his birthday. It ended up being a fun night for everyone!

Some Funnies

Ready to go to ballet...in style!

Grayson wearing Kennan's undies (and daddy's gloves)!

A ninja playing the wii...

I wonder if Grayson thinks if he covers his eyes we won't know it's him with Brayden's clips in his hair??

HAHAHAHA!

Christmas Part 3

After a few days with my family, we headed to Kenny's parent's house. Kenny's dad was out of town working and was coming back the next day so we waited to do our Christmas until he returned. While we waited, we made another Candy Cottage - this time for Lala's birthday! It was super fun and yummy and we all got in out making it {except Grayson who was asleep}.

The next morning was Lala's birthday and Ken got back home so we celebrated Christmas!

It was another great celebration and fun to be with family!

Christmas Part 2

Since Christmas fell on a Sunday this year, we hit the road right after worship. We had the car loaded, lunch packed and clothes ready to change into. Thanks to Pinterest, I made some "trip clips" for each of the kids. As long as their clips were up, they got a prize or treat every hour we were in the car. But if they whined, complained or were grumpy then their clip would get moved, they would miss the next prize, then their clip would get put back up. It worked beautifully. {The ride back home was a totally different story.}

After awhile, Brayden fell asleep. Thank goodness.

And Grayson did too!

Kennan didn't sleep but had a great time putting together one of his prizes - a lego T-Rex!

Once we got to my parent's house the kids were ready to open presents!

We had a wonderful time with my family and enjoyed every minute with them!

Christmas Morning Loves!

Christmas Morning!

The kids were up and ready to go at 6:30 on Christmas morning. The look on their faces and excitement in their voices is something I look forward to every Christmas morning. This one was no different!

Grasyon looved pulling things out of his stocking. He did his stocking after Kennan and Brayden did and saw that each of them got a box of candy. So, as he pulled each thing out of his stocking he said "can-ny, can-ny". It was pretty funny!

In an effort to not give as much "junk and useless stuff" this year, we started a new tradition that I had heard of from another blog friend {Thanks, Kristen!}. Kenny and I gave each of the kids 3 gifts - to go with the gold, frankincense and myrrh gifts that the Magi gave to baby Jesus.

Their gold gifts were a toy our something that they were wanting. Brayden got this Barbie set, Kennan got a K-reo Transformer and Grayson got some Thomas the Train legos.

Their frankincense gifts were something for their spiritual life. Grayson got a Noah's Ark set, Brayden got a worship CD {she loooves to sing} and Kennan got a new Bible.

Their myrrh gifts were something for their bodies. They all got new shoes! Kennan has had his eye on some shoes that he can tie {he's always had velcro-it's just easier!!}, Brayden wanted some light up shoes and Grayson got some as well.

We told the kids a few weeks before Christmas that this is what we were going to do. They thought it was great and I thought the gifts were a lot more meaningful and less useless! They also got each other a gift {G and K got something for B, B and G got something for K, etc.) and that was great as well.

Santa also came and filled stocking with gum, flashcards, chapstick and things like that.

He also gave each child one thing... Kennan loooooves his new Skylander game!

Brayden got a doll and armoire with a few outfits.

And Grayson got a train table!

After presents we took a few pictures and then had a donut and cereal breakfast.

Then we were off to church and then on the road to the grandparents!

Christmas Eve

Well, now that it is the new year I guess I should get caught up on Christmas Eve!

Our Christmas eve was relaxing and fun this year. We spent most of the morning packing {because we were leaving on Christmas day after church} and watching Christmas shows and movies on TV. Around 3:00 we went to the home of some very dear friends from church. They have a big family gathering every year and have invited us all 4 years to join them. We had a yummy meal and then headed off to church for our 5:00 family friendly service. It is very relaxed, not heavily attended and geared mainly towards families with children. The kids love going and I'm so happy that they do! Here are the big kids coloring at Kenny's desk while he was getting ready for the service.

After church we went back to our friend's home for dessert and for a gift exchange. The family always draws names at Thanksgiving and then does the exchange at Christmas. They have always been so sweet to include us and the kids love sitting in "the chair" while everyone watches them open their gift.

Mason and Kennan {sweet friends} playing with their numbers!

Brayden's turn! She got a huge Hershey bar, some hair clips and a sweet ballerina necklace.
{It isn't too obvious that she loves to be the center of attention, is it?}

Grayson's turn! He got some comfy footie pajamas!

And Kennan got a cool soccer bag to hold all of his gear and a Hershey bar!

Kenny got an edible chocolate Bible! Do they know him well or what?

I got a beautiful ornament for the Christmas tree and can't wait to use it next Christmas! Kenny had to be back up at church for a candlelight service at 11:00 so after presents we headed back home to get the kids in bed. One of the downsides to having such a late service is that Kenny isn't around to help me with Christmas {unless I want to stay up until after midnight!} Santa has usually come by the time Kenny gets home!!

SANTA CAME!