Christmas Week...finally!

Christmas 2012 is now part of our history.  The pictures to one day be commemorated in a scrapbook (one day far, far away!)  We always celebrate at our house the day before traveling.  It gives the kids a chance to open and play with their new stuff before taking off to visit with family.  Santa came while we were at the grocery store...and after Dad came to bring keys to Mom because she locked hers in the van. 

The calm before the storm.....

This might have been his favorite present...he likes to argue with the men in the family (the Raiders fan, the Cowboys fan, the Raiders fan, and the Bengals fan!)

Too much commotion, so she climbed up with Dad and watched from above.

The aftermath (after I picked up twice!)

Bray's fave gift

The horse was a hit with Hailey!

Jason had to work Christmas Eve so we had a late start to IN.  The kids were all excited and bouncing off the walls by the time we got there.  Hailey wasn't too thrilled with the gifts, but she was obsessed with the babies.  She loved the fact that Landon was in his bouncy seat.  It gave her full access to him.  For the most part, she was gentle, but got a little too excited a couple of times.  Jaxon is a little bigger so she didn't know what to think of him, but when he was sitting, she found him to be a great asset when she pulled herself to stand :-)  Hailey's favorite gift seemed to be a box of clothes.  She looked them all over as she took them out and then put them back in the box. 

Is she watching over Jaxon or hiding before someone takes the remote & marker from her?

I love this picture!

New game...Where's Jaxon?

Dylan being brave enough to take the remote from Hailey.

Shea being goofy with Uncle J.

Being "gentle" with Jaxon

Ian all excited to give Uncle Scott a lump of coal.

Early Christmas morning, we headed to my parent's house.  Hailey didn't seem too interest in the presents...just paper.  She spent most of the time playing with the toys in the other room.  I don't think she is fond of the chaos of 9 kids opening presents :-)

Grandkids on my side.

Hailey thought Andy was funny.

Did you see who is in that mirror?

Ian was quite serious opening gifts.

Ahh....a new baby!

Brayden finding out he is getting guitar lessons to go with his new guitar.

Unfortunately, there was a substantial snowstorm headed to the Midwest Christmas night.  None of the computer models agreed on the amount of snow so we didn't take a chance and headed home Christmas night.  We were all sad not being able to spend more time with our family, but the main thing is we did get to spend Christmas with all of them.  We made it home before the snow and relaxed at home for a couple of days :-)

Round 1 of the snow...Bray making snow angels.

Now gearing up for New Year's Eve.  Not sure what is on the agenda yet, but we are looking forward to 2013.  2012 was our catch up/relax year.  2011 was so raw with emotion...fear...elation.  2012 was much lower key and we have settled into life.  The normal we thought we would never have emerged and we enjoyed the chaos of life with 3 children.  I wouldn't change it for the world!!!

Next week I promise an update on what Hailey has been up to and what new skills she has been showcasing.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!