It was a LONG time ago...that the little boy on the left (holding the sign) went to every.single.game. of his big cousin.... until college he didn't miss a game...(at least that's my memory of it ;)

(said cousin playing college ball)

We all knew there would come a time when THAT little boy was the "big guy" in the gym...but I don't think we ever thought about the "big cousin" being on the opposing teams coaching staff...

with HIS high school coach....

but on Saturday at a Christmas tournament it happened.... the little boy in the bleachers was the one playing the game...

and the "big cousin" now has a fiancée ;)

and two "aunts" who adore her... (and make her do silly things like dressing like "little geeks")

 

but it all came full circle at the end of the game with the "good game handshake" that of course...

was a hug.

 

Christmas 2015

And the tree mere moments before we took everything down on Sunday :)

Christmas Eve service at Aunnie Lynne's church is always special. Husband and I said if the one guy from their worship team sings Oh Holy Night every year we'd keep going back. He KILLS it! Last year was our first time and we all just loved it. This year my "not usually so brave" girls decided to go ALL the way up to the stage when they called the little ones to come and hear a Christmas story...

See the pink bow there on the right...?

about 1/2 way through she climbed down off the stage followed closely behind by her big sister and ran ALL the way to the back (where we were sitting) and said in her super loud whisper voice... "Dad! I just needed to tell you... I LOVE YOU!" and then proceeded to run all the way back up to the stage... this girl I tell yah... :)

Christmas AM dawned bright and early at 5:05 but Minnie was told to stay in her bed until her clock showed 6.. the girls were thrilled to pieces with their stockings and "big" presents...

Paw Patrol of course...

and a kiddie version of a go-pro... "Bob", she can't WAIT for the pool! :)

Daddy surprised us all with a youth ice fishing sled... clearly Minnie knows what it is and is psyched about it...

Miss B... doesn't really get it yet...

but she will!!! :)

We headed to the CountryRents for breakfast and MORE presents....

and ice fishing TRAP of course... gotta put something in that sled... complete with a can of pink spray paint to "girl it up" :)

CountryDad opening his version of a "go-pro" for perhaps his Harley helmet??

This guy...

Then off to MIL's where we are ALL overwhelmed by the gifts...but surprisingly made pretty good time this year and didn't even take a dessert/drink/potty break... phew. That's an accomplishment for our crew! :)

Speaking of crew....

Miss B + No Nap = Not Funny Do-Do :)

 I'd say the day was an over the top success as usual... fun times with family, yummy food and gifts galore... a great day for sure!

Celebrating the Season (For the 2nd Year)

Click HERE to see last year's pics!

 

This year we opted to go back to the assisted living facility where Liz's Nana resides with our small Co-op. In fact... two of our co-op families were not able to make it but the ones that were there... mixed with the D crew did an AWESOME job and I KNOW the residents loved it!

Every one of them got out of bed, got dressed and came to hear the little people...a feat not to be minimized!

After we sang we had time to do a little craft that Liz organized and the residents loved!

So did the kids!

Liz and her sweet 90 year old Nana...

Following pics courtesy of Tamarah

The finished craft project! We also had snacks and cider and an all over wonderful time.

Yes, I DID snag Minnie from school a day before Christmas break but I think being with her buds, singing with her sister and friends and doing community service was a good "excuse". I won't have ones THIS good when I just steal her outta school because it is 80 degrees and I want to go to the beach with her ;)

 

Please pay no attention to the girl who missed the memo on "modesty is beauty" in the front... ;) 

Caroling from Country Mouse on Vimeo.