Wrapping up 2013

I didn't document in the moment as I had hoped during December. ;( We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season by attending any and all festivities, but also took some time to sit by the tree and relax. This was a great ending to 2013! So, to wrap up the year I am just going to post a slew of pictures to capture the memories. I don't have all my pictures loaded. I forgot my camera on Christmas Eve which means I didn't get any pictures from great grandparents or Clendenin side festivities. ;(  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and great New Year!

One of the many out takes of the Christmas card shoot! HA

"Tickets, please. Tickets!" Pilot Express 2013

"All Aboard!"

G's new bike 

This girl loves leggings and dresses! ;)

Cousin love

Notice the entire front row of teeth missing?! 

Daddy snuggles

Pilot Express 2013

G's preschool party

He made me a beautiful ornament.... I cried. HA

Country Christmas Train

Cookie making with friends!

Cowboy coal miner? I don't ask questions these days. ;)

Christmas Eve buddies... I hope this is a tradition we continue! 

Rudolph's nose turned the reindeer water red!! Thanks for the tip, Sus! 

Artists hard at work together

Ringing in the New Year with the Heels!

More Celebrating!

Sweet Leilani turned 1 today!! We had a wonderful time celebrating her with the Collin's family this weekend. Even though the holiday season gets quite busy, we are still trying to take time and focus our hearts on Jesus. They are making some beautiful ornaments!

Lydia saved the pennant from the baby shower Susanna hosted for her and used it for Leilani's 1st birthday. So sweet!

Gorgeous!

Trying to get all the grandchildren... Jane was not cooperating. 

Almost.... ha!

We took a boat ride around the lake to see the lights. It was really fun!

An ornament to remember 'Mary's Song' sung after she visits Elizabeth

Joseph... use your imagination! ;)

Our little Elf

Ceilidh performed in her first school performance this Thursday. It/She was adorable! She had a small speaking part and didn't miss a beat. I was so proud of her courageousness to get up in front of all those people and talk! I just LOVE Christmas time! ;)

Jane leading a 'kindermoosic cass!'

Ceilidh's class

"His Kingdom will reign forevermore"

Gabriel told both Elizabeth and Mary of their upcoming births!

Mary didn't turn out so well. ;) Mommy forgot to buy felt and we had to use tissue paper. ha

Jane was helping me take the pictures and she was very insistent I do so of her crown. She had a lot of fun painting! 

Lights, lights, lights!

Ceilidh was asking about the tree decorating party when I picked her up from school! ha We had a great time decorating and talking about Jesus being the 'King of Kings!'

Graeme can't get enough of Christmas decorations!  ;)

Party treats!

Crowns for the 'King of Kings'

First ornament of the year

Merry first day of Advent!

I really love Thanksgiving, but there is nothing like the Friday after when I allow myself to plunge head first into Christmas festivities!! We picked up our Christmas tree today, but I didn't have all the trappings for our decorating party so we haven't decorated it yet. I couldn't resist hanging the stockings and the Advent calendar! ;) This year instead of a Jesse tree; we are going through activities called Truth in the Tinsel where we read scripture and then make a craft for each topic. I have read the author's blog for a while now, and have been excited about trying this for a few years. I wanted to wait until the two oldest at least, would enjoy the craft part. This is the year!!! Tonight's scripture reading and craft was great... after all the tears due to the huge barren Christmas Tree in our living room. Ceilidh wasn't thrilled about letting the tree relax for a day. ;) I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to the best season of the year!!

Under mistletoe... what can I say?! ;)

Daddy's girls

These girls love Pops too!

Ready to go!

Clark Griswald, anyone? HA

'Jesus is the Light of the World'  
Advent craft day 1

Kicking off the season with a little pintos and cornbread!