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)