starlight skating

during christmas vacation we always try to make a trip to the skating rink.  my kids beg to do this for days, the parents might not be quite as excited as the kids. we skated as couples, did the limbo, did the hokey pokey, and about broke our arms trying to teach small children to skate.  it is always a huge walk down memory lane when i head to the skating rink.  it takes me back to all those skating parties we won as kids.  i am glad my kids get to enjoy it still.

 

  

 

  

  

  

  

             i am so glad we get to make such fun memories with all these sweet cousins:)

christmas morning

warning…a little picture overload.

 

 

 

 

 

this is the hippo, that belonged to rachel, that cooper wouldn’t let out of his possession.  a big thanks to rachel for humoring the little guy,  especially when he ate chocolate. (the poor hippo got some nasty chocolate goo all over it)

a few of her favorite things.  she has been wanting an electric blanket forever.  she just plugged it right in and got comfy.

a little more stealing of that hippo

 

 

this little lady was so much fun to watch.

cousins gifts

each year we have all the cousins exchange names with each other, and pick out a gift for whoever they draw.  it always me smile when we asks the kids what they want to get for a certain cousins and they are so excited to get them something.  i am so thankful for all of these sweet little kids.

 

 

 

so glad these boys have each other in the mass of grand daughters.  i am also so glad that they still like to give each other hugs:)

 

i had so much fun with this little guy this year.  its hard to beat watching a 2 year old get super excited about presents.

gingerbread houses

when all the cousins get together before christmas, it has become a tradition to decorate gingerbread houses. we have learned through the past years that it works best if we divide these cousins up into groups for the festivities. for some reason the 12 year old girls have different decorating ideas than the 6 year old boys:)

i don’t know how i missed getting a final picture of the big girls house, sorry girls.

we are so glad that all of these cousins come to grandma’s house at christmas time so we can make these fun memories.