Christmas at the Farm

Here's a mostly out of order montage of pictures from the farm.  We're always having way too much fun to think much of taking pictures, but here are a few of mine & a few from my sister Chris.  Always love to be there for Christmas... brings back so many happy memories!

 Whenever Sarah left my reach, I usually found her here.  She was enamored with baby Jesus.

 

 

 These guys are way too big... love them so much.

 Such a gift to have daily Mass at the farm!

 Happy birthday, Fr. Jon!

Teresa's favorite cousin is still Maria.  :) 

 Everyone had to try out Red Grandpa's new bow.

Due to an unwelcome germ exchange, we had to cut our visit to the farm short.  :(  Such unpleasantness to be running kids to the bathroom in a house filled to the brim!  We were so sad to leave since we it is rare we are together, but it is so much easier to be sick at home.

 Sad to miss this elegant tea party, too.  Hopefully next year!

We came home, got better, & were able to enjoy a few extra days with Daddy home from work.  So blest!

Christmas Day

 Santa came!

 Rebecca with her sewing kit, slippers, & fancy schmancy toothbrush

 Teresa with her American Girl (but not really) doll, slippers, & toothbrush 

 Andrew with his hexbug, socks (who would have thought that would be a thrill?), & Crazy Action Contraptions book.  This thing is seriously cool.  Lots of plans for moving Lego creations without a gazillion more Legos to add to the tub.  Check it out!

 After a lazy couple of hours, we packed our bags & packed the van to head out.  Off to Green Grandpa's first!  Delicious lunch, presents for the kids, & lots of fun.

 You know she likes you when she shows you her belly button.  Not sure when we should start breaking her of that habit...

 The boys trying out their marshmallow shooters.  It was gorgeous outside!  We spent the whole afternoon enjoying the sunshine.

Such a pretty day & a happy one.  We headed for the farm about 5:00 because the fun just couldn't stop!

Christmas Eve

 This year we were home for Christmas Eve.  We spent the day playing, relaxing, packing, & getting our dinner prepped.  Rebecca was the queen of tray arranging.  She was especially proud of her fruity "rainbow" tray.

 We normally never even attempt the Children's Mass on Christmas Eve because it is overflowing with people.  But, Darren was scheduled to acolyte & we had a big day of driving on Christmas planned, so we gave it a shot.  This year they actually simulcast the Mass into the gym for overflow!  A little strange but definitely less squished... the Christmas lights & seeing Daddy "on TV" was enough of a thrill for Sarah to make it manageable on my own.  We had the unexpected joy of Auntie Katie's family sitting next to us, too!  After Mass we made our way back to Church for a prayer & photo by the Nativity.

 Then we headed home for our fabulous finger food feast!

 We ate, then sang Happy Birthday, & brought Jesus to the stable.  My favorite was when the kids unanimously broke out in the extra birthday song my family always sings afterwards.  Rebecca & Andrew simultaneously thought they were clever replacing, "Happy birthday, Jesus, from Mommy & Daddy, too" with "from Mary & Joseph, too!"

 Jammies & down to the basement to exchange gifts.  I love how much the big kids enjoyed watching Sarah open presents.  She was hysterical!  Everything was "Wow!",  "Ooh!", & giggle giggle.

 In the end the box still won out.

 Rebecca was thrilled with her Christmas set for her doll.

Merry Christmas Eve!