Christmas (It's Never Too Late!)

Since February is here, let's talk about Christmas from '13! :)

(Sorry folks. Perhaps by June I will be caught up.)

We did the first ever Santa Run this year.
Santa drives through the city on a fire truck collecting food for the hungry.
We were running through the streets to meet Santa at the closest stop … next year we'll drive, be early and relax! The kids got candy canes (still a big hit!) and even got to sit in the fire truck. 

There was Shrinky Dink watching (did you know they still made these things?!)...

And while most kids came running in to Santa's workshop in their matching Christmasy outfits, it was all we could do to get there in long sleeves and pants (for Abby, at least) and I took what I could get, mid-week, mid-day, as we hustled to see him before he left.

Our visit to Santa…

We had so much family fun I can hardly recount it…

Karen Sloan, Little Grandma and Grandmama!

And these two are either partners in crime (in church, no less) or are at each other's throats like brother and sister. Even that part makes me happy. It means their close, right? (right?!) 

Our after church shot with Fordy not letting go of his Elf on the Shelf, Chippy, seeing that he would no longer fly to the North Pole to report to Santa (since Christmas was the next day) and didn't need his "magic" - and he could therefore touch him.

Twins on Christmas Eve...

Her Brave archery ensemble...

A little nail painting...

Which morphed into "pedicures by the Christmas tree at noon! Come on, Ford!"

For the record, that polish has still not completely come off of his toenails. 

Eee gads.

And what is Christmas break without some tree cutting using a chain saw and an old hose?

I couldn't watch.

We felt so blessed to be in a home that we love, surrounded by family. And on that note, happy early Valentines Day, everyone!

1156. impromptu pancakes at 2pm

1157, ford running the entire walk

1158.eating clean

1159. spontaneous celebration

1160. good health report for a friend