Christmas Day

Tyler woke up around 6:30 and we put him off until 7:00. Santa had came and there was no way of sleeping any longer...besides Sam fell out of bed and was awake. The kids couldn't believe all the presents under the tree and Tyler was so excited to see Sam got her own "german" bike (as we call it). Muddles had left rubbermaids FULL of crafts and paper supplies, one for each of them. We opened presents, had a nerf gun fight put together toys and then had Grandma Tonda over for breakfast. It was a great morning.



We left home around 12:30 and headed out to the farm. We spent the afternoon and evening opening gifts, playing, and eating. Its always fun since the kids get to play with Derrick and Lucas.

Christmas Eve

We started the day and Grandma Tonda's. We headed over to open presents around 10 and relaxed all afternoon. The kids had so much fun...and it was a great way to start the chaos of Christmas. Unfortunately, the boys weren't around. It made a quiet Christmas...and it was very strange. I think we all missed them like crazy.




We ended the day at Aunt Patti's. We all had such a great time. All the Houston's (with exception of the Oregon clan) were there. Dan and I both said that being ALL together is what makes Christmas. It was packed and opening gifts was chaos but it made it all the better. The kids played so hard and enjoyed the night so much. Its not often that they get to be around all the relatives!

Grand Haven Christmas

Once again we headed to Grand Haven for our early Christmas...and once again Grandma Dingy out did herself. Christmas cookies, homemade coconut scones, ham and scallop potatoes, breakfast casserole, waffles with strawberries and whip cream. Presents, Presents, Presents!!! Santa is always good to us.
Tyler had a Star Wars Christmas and Sam got her rose petal cottage. It was so much fun having two little ones around that believe!

Christmas Downtown Paw Paw

Paw Paw is opening all the stores downtown every Wednesday night the month of December. Along with that they are doing storytimes, puppet shows, crafts and wagon rides around town. Courtney, Camy and Cole all came over tonight and we headed down. We went for pizza, hit the last of the puppet show, made our bird feeder, and then went for a horse and (covered) buggy ride. It was COLD...but it was fun.

Our Rudolf

Grandma Tonda picked Tyler up from school today to walk in to this. He was so excited about his antlers and rudolf. He NEVER lets ANYONE take his picture...so this was a big deal. He wore it all afternoon at Kristi's. She said he NEVER took it off. It stayed on all night at our house too...red nose and all. He ate dinner in it, played in it, wrapped presents in it. I was surprised when it came off at bed time. It was absolutely adorable! My little reindeer.

Welch's Christmas Party

Welch's had there "kids" Christmas Party at Jungle Joes this year. Pizza, Pop, and of course Santa. There were kids EVERYWHERE! It was a great time for us all. The kids left with red cheeks and completely exhausted and so did we! Sam needed help on some of them...carrying a kid on your back up the jumper is work.

Snowball fight

Tyler couldn't wait to get outside! AFter a few minutes the snow started flying...thank goodness the window didn't break!
Sam was napping!




When Sam woke up she went out too.
This would be the first time Sam has played in snow. Last year she doesn't remember. She was adorable and so excited.

She was amazed by the snow! Pure Joy!

Our Elf is back

We were waiting and he finally arrived MUDDLES! Last year he left Christmas Eve night but not without leaving us all a fantastic present (the jumper). So, this year Thanksgiving we woke up and he was back. Every night we tell him if we have been naughty or nice and he leaves to tell Santa when we fall asleep.




Tyler and Sam love him. They both know and completely understand that you cant touch Muddles or he loses his magic. Sam will remind you if you need to be :)

We are wondering what Muddles is going to leave this year :)