My week off

I had this past week off and enjoyed every minute of it.  Although I can't believe I have to go back to work on Tuesday- it has al gone way too fast.  The best part was the temperatures were in the 50's and even 60's here all week.  So we were able to spend lots of time outside too! Here is just a little of what we have enjoyed this past week.

Kate is always helping out with her sister!  Peyton gets fed well with Kate around:)

We took down all the Christmas decorations and I am enjoying my new Plane Jane wreath on my door!

Kate may need a new belt:)

After a walk, we enjoyed a trip to Sonic

Happy New Year

We spent the evening with our wonderful friends Ron and Shannon and their three kids.  It was a fantastic evening full of food, games, movies and lots and lots of laughs.  The funny thing was Jerry and I didn't know if we would make it until midnight- little did we know we wouldn't leave until 2:30am!  And the older 4 kids were still going strong at 2:30. 

It was a great way to bring in the new year.  Thanks for a wonderful evening Ron & Shannon!

Special people

We were blessed to spend time with lots of people we love this Christmas.  Not only did we see our cousins and Grandma and Grandpa Sims, we also saw Great Aunt Dorothy and Great Grandma.

Our Christmas Morning

Unlike a typical Christmas morning, my kids actually slept in for our Christmas morning.  That happens when you have had 2 fun filled days with your cousins and traveled to Abilene in back.  Mommy and Daddy were tired too so we were very pleased no one woke up until after 8:00! 

I loved watching this little miss with all the paper

These were the boxes the boys couldn't wait to tear into (and we made them wait until last of course!)

It was such a nice relaxing "Christmas" morning in our house.  It was nice to not be rushed to leave the house and just be able to take our time opening our gifts and enjoying time as a family.

I was so excited to give Kate her first Cabbage Patch doll.  Her name is Apple Sohia and her birthday is 2 days after Kate's!  I really wanted to find one that looked like her but brown curly hair and blue eyes is not a popular combo!

I didn't realize how many pics of the girls I took and how few I got of the boys!  They were sitting close to me so it was tough to get good pics!

Our Christmas Eve

Since we were gone on the actual Christmas Eve, we came home on Sunday night and let the kids open one gift from us.  It is our tradition they open their new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning

"Sid thes presis to Zach Millers
Merry Christmas!"

This is the note Hayden left for Santa on our fireplace so he would know where to deliver presents on Christmas morning.  I am glad to say that Santa knew exactly where to find my kids, even if we weren't at home.
(I promise they both love their DS' even if one doesn't appear to!)

Kate was thrilled with the stocking stuffers!

Peyton got this cute lion walking toy

Kate got a whole trunk full of princess dress up clothes

Christmas Eve

For the first time in 6 years we spent Christmas eve with the Sims family.  My sisters and I have lots of wonderful memories spent with my Dad's family on Christmas eve and we carried on the tradition after we were married.  However, once kids came along Jerry and I decided we wanted to be in our own house on Christmas morning.  The way the holiday fell this year it worked best for us to go to Abilene on Christmas Eve.  We spent the whole day eating, laughing, unwrapping presents, playing games and enjoying family.  It was a wonderful day!

The scarf and umbrella I gave Lola were a hit

Cousin time is the best!

Unwrapping gifts with 11 kids can get a little crazy

Grandpa & Grandma give all the kids pj's for Christmas and then every year we try to get a get a picture of all the kids together.  This year it seemed less crazy than usual

After taking several pictures we realized we were missing Kate and Lola!  Oops- guess that happens when there are 11 grandkids!

We had a fabulous Christmas Eve and a beautiful candlelight ceremony at church