All Is Calm.....

Our family Christmas this year took place on Friday thru Sunday before Christmas.

On Wednesday we got the nicest snow; Thursday, however brought blizzard conditions which meant difficulty for our family to make the trip on Friday.  Jennifer and family left early, without much happening in KS, but by the time they reached West Des Moines the roads were in terrible condition.  It took them 8 and a half hours but they did make it all in one piece, except for their nerves.  It took Angie and Carson 3 hours to make the 2 hour trip from Des Moines.  Amanda and Scott and family decided to wait until Saturday morning as they didn't want to be travelling after dark.  Just as well.

Newly weds Kayla and Wes brought Parker on Friday night to have dinner with us.

The other kids all clamour for Parker's attention.  He is adorable and very sociable.  

The gift exchange included a very special picture of Parker's 3rd birthday for us.  He was so excited about everything he got.

Saturday was a full day.   Angie and Wes worked out at the W and Jennifer ran her 8 miles outside.  After lunch, the girls took the kids to the W for swimming for a couple of hours.  Gave me some much needed down time.

Stuffed manicotti and salad were on the menu for Saturday night--it was fun to have the girls around the kitchen to help with the preparations.

Once it was in the oven, the gift opening started!!

Bailey is a new driver and has purchased Grandpa Chuck's work car.  Teenagers aren't always easy to buy for, but we enjoyed surprising her with a car plate representing Olathe East where she attends high school.

After the gift opening we decorated gingerbread houses.  It turned out to be really a lot of fun.  The moms and one dad got involved.  There was lots of frosting and candy everywhere and the kids were very creative with their houses.

Melina and her dad Scott

Angie helping Carson, and Bailey really didn't need any help!

Jennifer helping Olivia

FINISHED!!

Melina

Carson

Bailey

Olivia

Lots of frosting and candy stuck everywhere!!  We turned out the light and I got the mess cleaned up in the morning before everyone got up.

Only Melina took her gingerbread house home.  It was too long a trip for the others, so the houses were put out for the birds.  I have actually had a woodpecker investigating and a couple of chickadees sampling the coconut.

Another Christmas over again.  This year Chuck and I spent Christmas morning in the sunroom watching the birds and having coffee in our pajamas.  It was really pretty nice.  

The new year rolls around once again and I'm falling into my mode of motivation to organize, clean closets and start healthy eating again.  

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!