Our Blessed Nest: Christmas 2015

It's nine days into 2016 and to say that it's come in like a lion would be a total understatement. We never would've dreamed of all that would change in just a short week...but, for now I'm going to take a moment to reflect on the end of 2015, since life continues to barrel forward.

The girls and I started our break on Monday of Christmas week. Nathan had to still go to school on Monday and Tuesday, but on Tuesday his school had a holiday sing-along. The girls and I were able to join him. We even got to bring cousins Mayah and Micah who had just driven in from Colorado. It was fun. We love to see Nathan in his school element and they sang a great selection of songs. It was even right before his lunch, so we stole him away to Subway for a fun lunch-and then promptly brought him back to finish his school day (which I think was mainly partying).

I enjoy watching him sing, it brings joy to my heart.

Nathan's first day of break was Wednesday December 23. After staying up way too late watching Minions and wrapping Christmas presents, we left this day for Papa's! Matt had to stay and work one more day (someone's got to), but the kids and I left and got a head start on cookie baking. It was great because two of my sisters, Brenda and Amy, were able to be there also.

This is what usually happens at Papa's. Evelyn is pretty glued to him.

Christmas Eve we traditionally meet with the Widman family. These are my aunts, uncles, and cousins on my dad's side. It's the only time of year we get to see many of these people. It's always a good time, and even our kids look forward to seeing their second cousins...even if they can't remember their names!

Quite a few kids were missing this year, but here's the bunch that was present!

For several years, we've been meeting in the American Legion hall in De Smet. It works well and now it just seems normal.

The second cousins draw names and do a gift exchange. Always a highlight!

It's hard to go wrong with babies and Ninja Turtles!

In years past, the adults have done a white elephant exchange. This year, Aunt Val (love her) started a bingo game. There were even prizes available, so of course the kids loved it. Perhaps it will be a new tradition!

Mainly though we play, run around and chit-chat...

Fast friends are made over Ninja Turtle love.

(these are three great men)

Barrett, with his grandpa, is currently the youngest member of the family!

Following our time with extended family, we attended church and then drove back to Papa's house.

I tried to get a photo of the full moon, but was limited by my lens and photographic skills. It was super bright. I guess there won't be another full moon on Christmas until 2034!

We ate appetizers and ham sandwiches for dinner. Then it was time for jammies and presents. It's always a full house!

It's hard to tell what it is, but Matt got his phone charger returned (from Amy) as a Christmas present!

The girls were all excited to get Calico Critters. I believe Addie got the kangaroo family.

Nathan was very excited to get both Rush Zone (a football game he's been wanting) and a Pacman plug and play game. He even later referred to it as a Christmas miracle that he got everything he wanted!

Addie got a knitting machine from her cousin. She loved it, and Matt loved rolling the yarn into a ball all.night.long.

Here's the knitting machine getting ready for action...

and leg warmers!

(made 90% by the efforts of Matt, who we may now have to refer to as "The Knitting Machine")

Christmas morning, we opened (more) presents, feasted on a turkey dinner, then cleaned-up and drove back to our home. We had our family Christmas that night. It was very low key. We ate some leftovers from lunch, drove around and looked at lights for a very short time because the weather was getting bad, then came home for yet another gift exchange.

This year, for the first time the kids drew names for each other. The rule was they had to pick out and buy the gift by on their own. Given budget restraints of certain kids, we made the limit $5. After shopping with the girls one day I wanted to up it and just help them a little with the extra cost, but I decided to stick to my guns! I'm glad I did. Everyone put thought into their gifts and really enjoyed giving. (Yay, because that was the point!)

Nathan and Addie ended up drawing each other's names.

Nathan got Addie some headphones, which she loved!

(Matt took Nathan shopping, and they did spend more than $5. Slight miscommunication, but we figured it's okay because Nathan has stashes of cash).

Addie picked out a Lego Mixel for Nathan. She chose this one because it was purple, but it turned out he said this is the one he wanted!

Evelyn and Ella had each other's names.

Evelyn picked out a hair bow and a Little Pet Shop for Ella.

Ella picked out some dress-up shoes for Evelyn. They're Evelyn's favorite princess, Anna from Frozen.

I was glad the gift exchange went so well, we'll definitely do it again!

Matt and I also got each of the kids a small gift. We don't get them a lot because they get so much from others. For example, we got Ella the robe she is wearing.

Matt and I don't typically exchange gifts. This year I got him a gift card to go see the new Star Wars movie with a friend, and I was expecting nothing in return.

Instead he surprised me and got me a new camera lens! I've been wanting a better portrait lens for a long time, but wouldn't ever justify the money to buy one for myself.

I was so excited! I love that now I can finally get that bokeh I've been craving! I did lots of little test shots changing focal points and then showing the kids what the image looked like.

This was Nathan's favorite.

(he's behind a family of sea otters :)

In addtion the kids opened up gifts from Matt's mom. (I feel like I just keep talking about gifts) Nathan was super excited to get a new game for his 3DS. It was a remix of original Nintendo games.

Matt perhaps liked the game a little too.

I can't remember what conversation was taking place here, I just remember it was funny.

(I obviously enjoyed playing with my lens...can't wait to take it outside!)

The girls got some LPS from Grammy.

The following day was low key. We did enjoy a Skype call with Grammy and Grandpa Joe. You can see Addie in the background jamming out with her headphones.