Christmas 2013

We had a great Christmas although it was a bit unlike any other!  It was warm leading up to Christmas so it didn't feel like a normal Christmas.  We still did our normal Christmas traditions and that helped to make Christmas Eve and Christmas just the same.  The best part is always our homemade gifts for each other. The kids have so much fun and look forward to giving their gifts. Zak sewed a pillow and blanket for Karlee. A pillow for Lantz, and he tie dyed and stenciled aprons for Lantz and Makelle. Makelle worked with John to make a bow from PVC pipe and carved arrows for the boys. She sewed a skirt for Karlee that ended up matching a skirt Lantz helped to make for her. Lantz did some camo tie died hankies and socks for Zak and helped build and paint a booster for Karlee to sit at at the table. It was fun to see the kids work so hard and be excited to give their gifts, and the kids were excited about getting their gifts too!

Christmas was kind of weird. Our schedule was empty and it was warm outside. It didn't feel a lot like christmas. We didn't even do the twelve days for anyone. So because we weren't serving we missed out on lots of the christmas spirit. Some of that was due to sickness, laziness and all sorts of excuses!!  It did get cold right after christmas...then really cold...like one day the kids needed coats for school. Luckily the sun is coming out again!

Karlee in her new jammies on Christmas Eve!

Some homemade artwork for Grandparent Christmas gifts using their hands and feet.

Christmas Eve in their Jammies.

Edward the elf
Christmas Morning

Christmas gifts made at school from my kids.

Our homemade ornaments.  The curly hair is Karlee, a frog for the frog that is one our door each night, bald John, a sunset, Zak's age 8, flower, snowman, and a fire pit.  Some of the things to help us remember our year.

The girls in their matching dresses.

Life is good. The kids were all excited to get new classes in primary. They love school and their friends here. We still walk or drive to the beach often to watch the sun set.

John starts making his wish list for his next assignment. We should find out at the end of March where we head to next. Then we move in August..crazy!!