Capturing the Miracles in Everyday Life: December 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy 31st Birthday Chris!!!

Ok so I'm cheating a little on the 3rd to last day of the year - but I have a valid excuse. These pictures were really taken yesterday before we left Nebraska - but we did celebrate his birthday there and got a candle and everything - which is way more than he got today.

Unfortunately, I was in bed all day sick with the stomach bug so it wasn't much of a party for him :( But at least Mizzou pulled out a win in OT!

Happy Birthday Chris - we love you very very much!!

Why does Meena look so scared??

December 28, 2008

I guess this is what can happen to you when you've been in Nebraska for 10 days straight :) (all Christmas gifts!)

December 27, 2008

Beautiful sunset on the way to the farm for Christmas! Bad me - didn't get my camera out there!

December 26, 2008

Tonight we got the majority of the aunts and uncles (on my mom's side) together for a few (or more) drinks and dinner! The was about 17 of us and we usually have a pretty good time when we all get together! There was shuffle board which turned into a killer tournament ;) these people can get pretty rowdy!

My aunt Laura might kill me, but this is her busting a move after a nice play!! (love ya Laura - hope you soaked up some sun in Mexico for me!)

This is Chris's game face before every "throw" - my grandma thought it was pretty funny!

Then Eric and Meghan helped Chris celebrate his 31st Birthday a few days early!

Good Family - Good Times!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

December 25, 2008 - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

"Santa's elves DO know how to sew - Transformer Underwear!! Awesome!"

Braden's gift to Daddy - Gotta love the John Deere!

His first pair of roller skates! Santa even made them in red - just like he asked for!

And the big Santa gift - A NEW BIKE!!! Braden has definitely worn out his last bike. The back tire is bald, the training wheels are in tatters and it was getting a little small! He was very excited about the BIG bike - and rode it all through Mom and Dad's living room!

This was Santa's funny idea this year for the big kids. He put our gifts in these little maze things - and we had to solve them in order to get our presents. It was a little frustrating to say the least - but all presents were recovered eventually - funny funny Santa! I'd sure like to see *Him* try to get something out of there!

What a great Christmas Morning!!

Then off to Grandma's house. Dad entertained Teagan and Emma!

Keegan slept like an angel through all the present opening!

And Matt and I goofed off in some self portraits

Then Katie came over when we got back to Meena and PopPop's house and Braden talked her into a game of CandyLand!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends! We love you all!!

December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas Eve

December 23, 2008

I know the pics aren't that great, but there was a million lights going off like crazy and I was shooting from inside the car! This house is crazy - and all the lights are set to music on your radio - it was pretty awesome! I have video if I can get it to load in a bit! I can't imagine what their electricity bill is each season, but I sure appreciated it!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

December 22, 2008

Oh man - Braden discoverd the joys of tiny LEGOS today! Matthew was only so happy to have someone to play LEGOS with (yes he is 21)! I think they played ALL day long - Matt was a little upset with Meena b/c she had lent some of the tubs of LEGOS out - he couldn't build everything he wanted to :)

December 21, 2008

Meena finally got her tree decorated today. She just couldn't keep the boys home long enough to get it done...but with Braden's help it is finally complete! Meena is much happier now! Braden even got the coveted job of putting the Angel on top!!

December 20, 2008

Today my good friends Michelle and Stacie threw a Baby Shower for me and Cookie! Ever since I had Braden early, Michelle has said that she'd throw a shower for me in Nebraska b/c I never got to have one! It was a great time and Cookie got some cute things too! Thanks to everyone who came and made it a very special day!

While we were at the Baby shower - Braden and PopPop Joe were at home making Sugar Cookies - hmmm...that could turn out interesting ;) Actually the dough tasted pretty good when we got home - so I think they did a good job!