Christmas Through New Years Round-Up

I should really stay on top of blogging. So much has happened since the middle of December that I have dreaded updating the blog. Shall we start with the Christmas festivities?

The Asays and the Parrs decorated gingerbread houses from a Costco kit. It was fun to watch the kids eat the candy and royal icing faster than the adults could assemble the houses. It was actually fun. I HATE being creative (hence NO to scrapbooking, vinyl lettering, baby books, etc). My ONLY creative outlets are quilting and occasional crocheting, and this I admit with a huge grimace. Anyway, I digress. Here are some pictures of the kiddies playing and eating during house-making time:






Santa came to our house the night of December 23rd since we were flying to Charlotte, NC on Christmas day. It was actually nice. We didn't feel rushed, and were able to enjoy being with the kids and just having fun together. The Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations were taken down, put away, and the entire house cleaned from top to bottom by 9am December 24th . That was probably my FAVORITE part. I love a clean, clutter-free house. Here are some early morning "Christmas morning" photos of the Jacob and Ben:







We made it to NC without a delay or worry. Jacob and Ben did awesome! I couldn't have asked for smoother travel. We enjoyed being with the Larsons (Kim and Russell, Jenny and Marty, Kathie and Colby, Kellie, Ginger and Matt, Andy and Linsey, and Mom and Dad). A lot of fun was had by all. The favorite thing for the kids was playing in the front yard. They especially loved a game I made up called "jump the stick." I put a broom on the ground and they had to run and jump over it. Who would have thought that with all the fancy toys that the kids would love playing with an old broom? This was the first time all seven grandkids were together; of course we cannot leave out the other two kids who aren't finished cooking yet. Oh, I almost forgot to mention our favorite "adult" entertainment. I fell in love with Guitar Hero (the one that comes with two guitars). I told Marty I want it for my birthday. Can I just say that I love Bon Jovi. Kim and I were jamming to Bon Jovi, Lenny Kravitz, Lynard Skynard, etc. I only wish it had old-school Guns-N-Roses (Sweet Child of Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, Cold November Rain, etc). We don't know how soon we'll be able to get together again. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Here are some pictures of the Christmas fun in North Carolina:







I hope all of you reading this had a wonderful holiday season. What a great time of year to slow down, relax, and enjoy family. I so love Marty and our two beautiful children. Life can be crazy busy at times; the kids do have their moments, but I wouldn't have it any other way!