Fun, fun, and more fun.

We are trying really hard to relax and enjoy the holidays. No crossgaurd, no school, and best of all no schedules! Relaxing is not easy for me. Sure, I can sit down in front of the TV and watch a movie. The problem is the entire time I am thinking about all the things I should be doing. Usually, if I sit down to watch TV I do my "to do" list or the bills. But this week is different. We have been playing games, play-doh, riding scooters, shopping, going to the movies and what ever else comes up. My whole family has had a great time just being together. Last night we went to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua with the Monday's. It is a really CUTE movie. I don't know whats on the agenda for today. That's whats nice about this week...NO AGENDA!

Christmas morning.

This was our best Christmas yet. Everyone was happy and healthy. With five kids yelling, laughing, tearing paper, and playing with new toys the excitement was electric.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas Season. We are so blessed and thankful. We spent Christmas Eve at home. My parents and sister came over for dinner. We all watched Fred Claus and enjoyed being together. Later we settled in for our family tradition's. Everyone put on their new Christmas pajamas, we made sugar cookies for Santa, and snuggled up in bed to listen to "Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Zion in his new P.J.s.

Here he is all snuggled up and ready to hear the story.

Grace still loves to look at the pictures in our family Christmas book. They have always fascinated her.

STAMPEDE!!

Yep, you guessed it. We spent the evening at the Dixie Stampede. We had a great time. The show was really nice. It actually snowed inside the arena several times during the show. We went with my Mom, Dad, and sister, the Klouda's, and the Monday's. I think I like the regular season show a little better. But it was nice way to keep bringing in the Christmas spirit. Good food, family, friends, and a show, what more could you ask for?

Grace, my dancer.

Christmas Performance at the Dancer's Studio.

Zion turns 4!!!!

My boy turned four!!! Of all the places he could have chosen, Chucky-e-Cheese was the pick of the day. So the giant rat was the birthday theme.

Getting into the Christmas spirit.

We spent the afternoon doing "Christmasy" things. First we went to the Civic Coliseum to see the Nativity Pageant. We go EVERY year and always enjoy it. It is never anything spectacular, but I love the simplicity of the pageant. It brings me back down off of the "holiday high" and reminds me the real reason of Christmas.

Then we headed to the Church Street United Methodist Church for the walk through Bethlehem. It was our 7th or 8th year to attend and we love more each year. There were less animals this year. But we went later in the day and there was no crowd. So everyone got to take their time and enjoy the walk. Here are a few pictures....

Here is a picture of the church. It is an absolutely beautiful church. They will let you take a tour and tell you about its history if you go on Bethlehem Sunday. I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

Grace seems to be growing by the minute. She didn't want to participate in all the child friendly activities today. It seems bitter sweet to watch her changing into a young lady. I love seeing the woman she is becoming but I miss the child in her.

Aaron enjoyed the animals. And yes I know he needs a haircut.

The little guys love Elijah. He totally embraces the big brother role in his life. I pray that he can be a GOOD role model for them. They definitely look up to him.

I think she paid him to do that!!!!!

Cozy!

We spent the weekend in the Smokies. Although the weather was VERY cold outside the fireplace inside our cabin was warm and cozy. We had a really nice and relaxing few days. And the good Lord knows I really needed it. Here are a few pictures....


Grace enjoyed the cabin. She claimed the loft as her own and loved all the room she had to spread out her stuff!

Everyone took pleasure in using the pool table. Elijah loved having his dad teach him how to play. Fred spent hours playing pool with the boys. It was really good for all of them to enjoy something together.

Aaron had a great time. He loves being on the go. He especially liked the fireplace.

Isaac was pleasantly pleased with the cabin. He thought we were going to cabin like you find at a campground. Needless to say he was happy to be wrong.

Zion has a good time everywhere he goes. He especially enjoyed the hot tub.

I personally enjoyed seeing my family have a good time. We went to Dollywood to see "Babes in Toyland," went to Red Lobster for dinner, and spent hours walking the streets of Gatlinburg. It was really a wonderful weekend.