It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas time is here at last. We have been waiting all season for our favorite days of the year that are full of fun, family, and traditions. Our plan was start at Grandma Terry and Grandpa Craig's, then head to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob's house, then head back to Craig and Terry's for the late night party. We were so excited to be with the big family, but we found out just before we were supposed to leave that Karly had covid, so there had to be some last minute changes. We were still going to get together with the Joneses and Granndpa and Grandma, but we wouldn't be with the whole family. We were disappointed we wouldn't be able to be with our whole family, but we were just so excited that we could be together and still do our traditions. 

Christmas Eve is sometimes hard because we have to say goodbye to Kitty. He gave the kids a nice note and left some kisses. 

Tyler and I always give the kids an outfit on Christmas Eve that they wear that night. They are never that excited about clothes, but oh well. 

We decided to get them a surprise that they have been needing for a while... a new tramp! Our current tramp is a hand-me-down from my brother. It has been well used over the last 6 years. The net broke, it has a whole in it, and the frame is barely holding up, so we decided they needed a new one. We can't wait for spring to set it up. 

We had them come upstairs for the surprise. From the look on her face, I would say Makayla was surprised, although she told me later she was really hoping it would have been a puppy. 

We our family pictures. I love that we have our new family member with us in the picture. 

We went over to Craig and Terry's and we did the $5.00 game. 

Caden was holding back his sadness when he got women's socks. Luckily he was able to trade for a Christmas game that he was much happier about. 

Then we went to Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob's house. We had to document that Makayla is almost as tall as Grandma Kathy. 

We had our traditional pizza dinner. It was fun because almost all of the grand kids were there. There was a moment when we were eating dinner and I looked around at the full house, and even though it was quieter, I thought it was crazy how much my family has changed in the last 10 years. Things are a little different, but we are learning to make new traditions and make the best of the situation. 

The kids were so excited to open presents. Brynnli was hoping all day she would get the poop dog that she wanted... and she did! Makayla got some Harry Potter Legos and Caden got an x box gift card and a new bat. 

Darren got my parents a extra big remote, because that's what old people need. 

My dad surprised Tyler and my brothers with another trip to Alaska to go fishing. I'm glad they can all go again and make some new memories. 

After the party with my family, we headed back over to Craig and Terry's. We had the talent show where Brynnli read "Toad on the Road" and we all laughed at the sassy way she said, "What do you think YOUR MAMA would say?"

Caden played some Christmas songs on the piano. 

And Makayla and I did our talent with cups. I need to teach Tyler to take pictures when I'm not able to. 

Then we opened presents. Makayla got the water bottle and stickers she wanted from Tammy. Caden got another x box gift card and a huge package of Reeses Peanut Butter cups from Karly, and Brynnli got a Barbie set from Ryan. 

We had so much fun this Christmas Eve, but we really missed being with the whole family. We were so happy we could still do our same Christmas traditions like dancing in the street while Tyler plays the accordion. 

After our parties we came home and the kids set out treats for Santa and his reindeer. Caden left a note asking Santa to sign his paper. 

Then it was time to give one last hug to Kitty. 

Then they were off to bed in hopes that Santa would deliver... and boy did he ever!!!

Santa even brought Bella some presents. 

I love this picture on the stairs. 

I love how Tyler makes them stay on the stairs for a long time until he lets them run in and see their gifts. This year Caden got a new mountain bike. 

Brynnli got an American Girl doll

Bella got a new toy. 

And Makayla got Harry Potter Legos. 

The kids got so many gifts that they asked for as well as some surprises. Caden got Legos, more x-box gift cards, and games. 

Makayla got a necklace with her name on it and a smart watch. 

Brynnli got barbies, and more American Girl toys, and games. 

All of the kids got google homes, which I think will be a good thing. Now instead of all being in the kitchen, they can be in their rooms yelling, "hey google... hey gooo-gle!"

Bella's first thing she got to open was a bone and she was gone the rest of the time chewing on it. She didn't want any of her other things... just her bone. We did manage to get her attention long enough to put on her new outfit. 

After presents the kids gave us some presents. Makayla gave us a book of poems and stories called "Chicken Soup for the Holiday Soul". So many of the things she wrote made me cry. She wrote about her favorite Christmas memory and how she loves spending time with family. 

We spent Christmas Day at Craig and Terry's celebrating with Craig's side of the family. We love this Christmas season and spending time with our family.