Christmas

We felt so blessed to have family come to us this year when, because of Brandon's work schedule, we couldn't go back to Oregon. Both Isaac and Lagaytha and Joy, Nick, Kenzie and Brynlee were able to come and celebrate with us. Since Brandon was on call on Christmas Eve, we took it easy Christmas morning and waited until everyone was ready to open gifts (I am sure we won't be able to do this next year with Halle!). I made monkey bread and a breakfast casserole and we enjoyed that before digging into the gifts. Halle didn't really catch on to the opening of the gifts, like Kenzie did, but she liked to play with each present. It was so cute to see how well Kenzie and Halle played together.

We opened up all of the presents under the tree before revealing Halle's present from Santa which was downstairs under a sheet. Dada had to help her remove the sheet as she didn't really understand what we were doing but once she saw the play kitchen, she immediately started to play with it. It was a huge hit for both of the girls! They played with it the whole time they were together...

The dad's took naps with their daughters in the afternoon while Joy and Lagaytha helped me with my first Christmas dinner. I was so excited to make my first dinner so I splurged and got new table decorations to go with my China. I really liked the way it turned out (Erica helped me!). We had ham, garlic mashed potatoes, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, salad with pears, rolls, chocolate pie, pumpkin pie and cookies. We invited our neighbors over, Jimmy and Libby, since they weren't able to go home (Louisiana) for Christmas either. We all enjoyed an early dinner and then had fun playing games. It was a very relaxed Christmas and it was so much fun to just spend time with family. Thanks everyone for coming!

Halle and Brandon loved meeting baby Brynlee!Halle just loves hats and always wants one on - she is truly a MN baby!Brandon with his new Ipad - I don't think I ever see him at home without it!Thanks everyone for all of the great presents!Kenzie and Halle got matching cube puzzles!They each got a ball in their stocking too! Aren't they just adorable?!?Wondering what is under the sheet...

Our annual tradition of taking a picture with a prop!

Jimmy and Libby