Gifts

Christmas morning found our tree packed with gifts.

Of all the presents under the tree, my family let me open up the first one...

a brand new camera (let me know if you can tell a difference).

Hayley got her Julie doll, just look at that smile!

Alex received rock band, do you think he wanted it?

Geoff got the perfect push up (don't know why he looks so excited).

Mom was presented with a beautiful book from David, a book that shows the events of this past year as seen through David's camera. (Next time you are in Morgan you have to check it out, he has an amazing eye)

And with Mom's help, the kids were able to give Dad the binoculars he has always wanted. (Did you know that you can even look at stars with these?)

My new Camera

Yes, I got a new camera too. I was truly spoiled this Christmas. Geoff knows my love of photography and he got me a very nice, very fancy camera. The problem is, I don't really know how to use it. Luckily it has a automatic function, and it will focus, adjust the light and flash, and everything else by itself. However, I really want to learn how to use it the way it is meant to be used. I have read the book, and I am trying to learn and remember the different functions. Today I worked on focusing with different parts of the camera, and at different depths. Stay tuned to this blog to see my progression. Now for a sneak peek of the rest of our Missouri trip, just remember, I just started, I am no David, but enjoy.

Hayley's Pics

Hayley got new camera for Christmas. She wanted so share some of her pictures with y'all too. So until she can get her own blog, her are some of her masterpieces...

Talk about candid. She has a knack of catching you off guard. Stay tune for more of her work.

Christmas in Missouri

The local Platte City YMCA was letting guest have a free 3 day pass to check out the facility. So Geoff, my Dad, Bruce and Obed woke up every morning to burn the Christmas calories. One day the kids decided to take advantage of this and try out the pool and slide. So with makeshift swimsuits they enjoyed an afternoon dip in the pool.

Obed, Sean, Grandpa and Joseph

The pool had a splash park and a big slide. All the kids loved the slide

but I think Joseph loved it the most. He was always either climbing the stairs

or sliding down. Towards the end he was even getting close to getting himself to the side of the pool.

Grandpa and Alex having fun

Grandpa, Alex, Bruce and Hayley

My sister Kimberly's family also came out to Missouri. It was fun getting to know her three boys, and despite the age difference the kids enjoyed their cousins.

Tyler, Kim, Joseph, Hayley and me

Alex loved holding his little cousin Tyler, and took any chance he could.
He even got him to sleep one time!


Hayley made snowballs with Uncle Bruce, they ended making 196.
After it snowed again, they decided they'd better rescue them, so they put them in Santa's sleigh.


Joseph and Hayley trying out the sled hill behind Great Grandma's house.

Alex & Bruce chasing down Hayley, Joesph & Sean

Here are the kids decorating Christmas cookies at Aunt Sandy's on Christmas Eve.

Aunt Sandy made hats for everyone and as you can see the kids loved them!

Hayley and Joseph didn't want to take them off.

With squeezable frosting, the kids were able to let out their inner artists, and went to town making amazing cookies.

Alex was the only one that actually got the 'don't lick the knife' thing, and was quick to remind his cousins and sister.

Hayley played two handed Jingle Bells for our Christmas Eve program, and even accompanied all of us her second time through. Good Job sweety!

Next we all took turns reading out of the bible and singing Christmas songs.

We even had our own chance to find and follow our own 'Star of Bethlehem' (ask grandpa).

All in all it was a great Christmas Eve, one that helped us remember Christ, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Good Morning and Merry Christmas!

The kids actually slept in till just after 7 am. This is pretty good since they all had a sleep over together. (Thanks for this Bruce)

Ice Skating

Four years ago we took the kids ice skating for the first time, and they loved it. Each year since they have begged to go every Christmas break. It is funny how some traditions get born. This year we invited Ryan, Shelley, Seth, Emma, Erin and Amber to join us. So here are some pics of our 4th annual skating trip, enjoy.

On your mark, get set, go...

...careful now...

...concentrate...

...oops.... (Hayley & Emma always seemed to fall in unison)

...now that is the way to do it!

OK and now for some poser pictures...

Emma & Hayley

Seth & Alex

Emily, Hayley & Emma

Emily & Geoff(Ice skating was our first date!)

What a fun day despite burning feet, sore backs, and bruised backsides!

Hayley's Christmas Party

Hayley's Jazz teacher hosts an annual Formal Christmas party at her house for all her students. For three hours they get to mingle, eat, visit, exchange gifts and meet Santa. She was really excited for this and we looked all over the mall for the perfect dress. (I know and she is only 7, what next?) But look at the results, isn't she pretty?

Ice Day

As an early Chrsitmas present, an ice storm came through Texas and school got canceled the Tuesday before winter break. There wasn't much ice left by the afternoon, but the kids still went out and tried to enjoy it.
"I'm warm Emmy" Erin said
Shorts? Ok Texans still needs to learn how to dress warm

Oops...it's slippery.

Afterward they all came in and we got to really enjoy and appriciate hot chocolate!

Gingerbread House

When we first got married I'd bake my own gingerbread, cut out the pieces, make the glue icing and put it together to be decorated by Geoff and I. But now, after missing several years, I broke down and bought a kit. But look at the kids, they don't know the difference and are enjoying it just the same.

Rudolph Run

This Saturday was Allen's annual Rudolph Run. Where Marion won the trophy, for having the most students running, for the 4th year in a row! This was our third time participating as a family.

Alex and Hayley posing with real reindeer.Running brings out the competitive side of Hayley. She is set on winning the whole family. Here is the view I had of her for most of the race. Even when she started crying, because it was starting to hurt, I couldn't get her to walk. Way to go Hayley, you are the champ for the 2nd year in a row!

Geoff and Alex heading to the finish line. Alex was a good sport running with his injured dad the whole race. It was a cold morning, but a fun time as a family.