Christmas

We had a great Christmas weekend at my parents house. It was the first time in four years that we ALL were together. It was a special time together as we celebrated the birth of Jesus, God's only Son who He sent into this world to die for our sins. What a gift God has given us.

December 24:

After a crazy morning of realizing all my bathroom items had been left on the counter at home I made a frantic run to the store. My childhood friend Debbie was taking family pictures that day, and makeup really was needed. I got my makeup, and got the family ready looking our best for pictures. After pictures we took Debbie and her husband Jeremy to Six Degrees for lunch. It is our new favorite restaurant in the Tri-Cities and will use any excuse to eat there. We wish Debbie and Jeremy lived closer as we love spending time with them.

After pictures and after a nap Gunnar played hard.

On the evening of the 24th we went to a wonderful Christmas Eve Candlelight service at my parents church.
When we got home Ezra, Owen, and I made Santa some mini chocolate pies. We figured he would get enough cookies on the way. They didn't turn out quite how we had hoped, mainly due to lack of little people following directions, but they still tasted good.

 December 25, Christmas Day:
We spent the morning getting things ready for our big lunch and of course opening stockings.
I made this stocking holder for my mom for Christmas. It is hard to get a good picture of because of the lighting, but it turned out better than I could have hoped for.

Then there was opening gifts....

 My happy little Ryker on Christmas morning. I sure do love his smiles.

I love Gunnar's smiles too.
December 26, Paul's 30th Birthday.:
After church we went to Eatza Pizza for a great time.

 Owen helping Paul blow out his candles.

 My sister Jami and Ryker.

 Silly boy Gunnar eating cake. Kyle's nick name from his mom was "Cakers" growing up because he loved cake. I think Gunnar would suit the name well too.

 Gunnar grabbed my heels and was sporting them around the house. I must say, I was very impressed with how well he walked in them.

 Me and my baby boy. I can't believe he is a little over 4 months already. Time goes by to fast.

 Ryker and Kyle. Two of my three favorite boys.

December 27:
We drove back to Fort Lewis. We are here safe and sound. Now it is time for bed.