Connecting with Friends...

Denise, Dave & Nancy came for a visit a few days after Christmas, so we hurried back home from the farm for a fun visit with them. Caleb was soooo excited to see them (we all were really...but he was especially eager to see pics and hear stories of Denise's adventures in Kazakhstan and beyond!)

We exchanged gifts and the boys were especially eager to try out the hammock from Denise...I think it was from the United Arab Emirates...not sure though. All they seemed to care about was how much FUN it was to get a ride :)

It was pretty funny and quite the workout :) Grandpa Dave looks a little tuckered out :)

We also played games and looked at lots of pictures and videos of her travels in SE Asia. Caleb especially liked the videos of the water puppet shows in Vietnam :)

The next day we were off to the park to play tennis (yes...TENNIS in December...crazy I know), the bowling alley and the traditional dinner at Famous Dave's...in honor of Grandpa Dave of course :) Caleb decided to try on Denise's hat and pucker up...aww...isn't he cute :)

We all had fun dusting off our bowling skills and they boys had SO MUCH FUN bowling (with bumpers of course!)

Denise also came back through SF in January on her way out east to visit friends. They put on a few fun plays together with all of Caleb's Webkinz...one of his all time FAVORITE things to do :) She definitely filled his love tank that day :)

Christmas!

Christmas... The most photographed time of year! I have to warn you this is a picture heavy post... :)

We go to the Miller farm for every Christmas, so we usually have our own little family Christmas with just the four of us here at home before the big weekend with the family. We had it a little earlier this year so that we could do it on the weekend. It was actually nice to spread all the gifts out over a few weeks and it gave the kids time to really enjoy all their new things :)

We always read the Christmas story together before the festivities begin :)

Caleb brought out the first gift...a little box he made himself with a paper star inside! Our star for our tree gave out, so we did not have one on top of the tree this year. Apparently that was a big deal for Caleb and he took care of our star shortage with his own little creation!

They were ready to tear into all the gifts now that the tree had a star :)

Caleb circled this KNex roller coaster on his "wish list" and I have to say that mom put most of it together while he played on the wii...NEVER again will I buy a toy that needs about 4 hours of assembly time!! Josh was a little trooper and helped me out from time to time but I think once we take this apart, it will not come out again until Caleb wants to put it together...with a little help from me!

My parents have made the boys "official" Ducks fans!!
Jon actually liked the idea too because they are his old high school Wildcat colors :)

Jon took the boys to Color Me Mine to secretly make me this darling cookie jar and coffee (in my case, tea) mug! Love how their little hand prints are on them :)

We topped off the week with their annual personalized Santa video message to them. They LOVE getting these...especially Joshy! He is still a "believer" and we have told Caleb to keep his lips sealed! Unfortunately, Caleb is no longer a believer as of last year :( Can't get much by him I guess!

We were off to the farm for our fun weekend with family...

We spent the weekend playing games...

The dogs spent the weekend laying in the sun rays...

And Aunt Anne graciously opened up her kitchen to a BIG cookie decorating party! Her kitchen was full of dough, flour, icing and sprinkles!

Caleb and Cassidy carefully decorated and lined up all their little pieces of artwork...

and Josh decorated one, ate one, decorated one & ate one! After the third one, I had to call it quits...only DECORATING! Or, we will have a little boy bouncing off the walls!

He was like, why do we decorate them if we can't EAT THEM?!

We have had such awesome winter weather this year that we had to go outside and enjoy the sunny and mild day on Christmas Eve. The boys had fun checking out the forts that they built with their cousins over Thanksgiving.

Surprisingly, they looked great and only needed some minor repairs from the wind. I guess that is what happens when you have NO SNOW!

I have to admit...it was a little strange to not do the usual traditional snow tubing, but I am NOT complaining!

Joe snapped a quick pic of us before everyone arrived for Christmas Eve dinner and gifts.

Anne brought over some goodies and some of our meticulously decorated sugar cookies...Josh was happy to see them again!

Katrina made Uncle Jon's day by making him his most requested dessert...fruit pizza! She out did herself this time with a Christmas tree and candy cane shape :) Jon looks just a LITTLE bit happy, doesn't he?!

Josh was eager to show Aunt Ruth his favorite Angry Birds game on the nook.

We took a few pictures...doesn't Nathan look thrilled...and Stacey too?! Like father, like son! You pull out a camera and they suddenly disappear from the room! They actually oblige us I think because it is Christmas!

Cassidy and Caleb read the Christmas story to us and then...GIFTS!

I don't think the kids could wait a minute longer! Lots of fun things to open and play with!

Christmas day was a quiet day with Joe & Margaret and all the new toys!

Christmas Parties & Programs...

Mid-December always brings with it lots of Christmas programs and school parties :) Josh celebrated a Birthday Party for Jesus at his preschool. They sang for us, played games, ate birthday cake and did a little book exchange...FUN! Best of all, Josh loved having mommy and daddy come to school with him!

Caleb's class also had a nice Christmas program in their classroom for all the parents. They were so cute singing and being so animated... all in Spanish. You could just feel all the joy and enthusiasm!

Each student made a calendar for their parents...Caleb did such a great job with his :)

This is Caleb with his teacher, Senora Arias...very pregnant and due the end of January! All the kids are so excited to meet little Nicolas!

Our church had a special time of worship on Sunday for the Christmas season with the kids. It is always such a fun and joyful time to see them up front singing their songs. Caleb thoroughly enjoys the performance experience while Josh could really do without ever setting foot on stage!

They sang four songs and recited a memory verse. Josh's class got to dress up as little angels. Josh asked if it was a girl thing and I was sure to tell him that the most famous angel, Gabriel, was a boy. When he heard that he was fine with the angel idea ;)

Later that afternoon was the much anticipated Singing Boys of Sioux Falls Christmas performance! Caleb got all dressed up and we were off to a beautiful church here in town.

Caleb is in the Preparatory Choir and they were able to perform about five songs. Two songs were with the combined group and then they sang three songs alone.

At the end of the performance, the director invited all the men and Singing Boys Alumni up to join the choir singing Silent Night. It was beautiful and really special to hear them all sing together :) Jon said that the director had a few tears roll down his cheek when they all started in together and Jon thought to himself, "oh. no. hold it together...don't start tearing up too!"

After the program they served refreshments and it was a nice time to meet and visit with Caleb's director. Caleb and his choir did a great job and it was such a festive way to celebrate the Christmas season. Their next performance will be in May...can't wait!!