Happy December!

 We celebrated Kayla's and Joshua's birthdays the end of November....so a late celebration for Kayla, an early celebration for Joshua.  Kayla had a "Frozen" theme and Joshua was "Baseball."

 10 Years Old!  Sounds awfully grown up.

 The last Awana night before Christmas break, we a "Birthday Party for Jesus" theme.  Made mini-cupcakes for treats.

 And of course, our annual thank you gift to our leaders -- mini loaves of bread.

 Balloons -- Party Hats --  It was fun.  P.S. this is only the left hand side of the room :)

 Stephen, Freya and the children arrived on the 20th.  Thankful for clear weather to travel and they made super good time, even with little Peter.

 Peter isn't the little newborn baby that I last saw in September.  Such a good little guy.

 There's even time to have piano lessons while at Grandma's.  

 Could hardly wait for the cousins to be together.  Here's some "Girl-Time" going on with Lena, Emmy, and Kayla!

 Mealtime is always fun.  Sometimes it is just easier for the mama's to fill all the plates ahead of time.

 The kids opened their stockings at breakfast before everyone arrived.

 Emmy, Lisa and Peter

 With all the battery toys around, Eli and his green doughnut were constant pals!

 Our family gift exchange.  23 of us.

 Joshua and Max received a latch hook kit and Aunt Rebecca showed them how to get started!  She was the "Latch Hook Queen" during her 4-H days.

 This was the year of "Frozen."  Frozen doll, Frozen fuzzy blankets, "Frozen Nightgowns.

 The boys discussing the new Lego project.

 This was the first gift I opened.

 Oh, my goodness.  I immediately had a stress attack, but you know, it was a success; and here is the proof!   It only took two boxes of fruit snacks, $1 bills,  going to CiCi's for pizza, and an EXCELLENT photographer!  (Billye's Portrait Studio)

 Westin turned 3 December 28 and guess what the theme of his birthday was.....JOHN DEERE!

 Brian made the cake.  I'm totally impressed!

 I got this idea of how fun it would be to make the 4 girls matching dresses for Christmas -- different patterns, same fabric.  Yes, it was fun, but I was still sewing on them the day before Stephen's family arrived.  I didn't like Kayla's Dress #1, so I ended up making a second dress.  So, actually I made 5 dresses :)

 Emmy turned 3 January 1.  That called for girlie type cupcakes with fluffy white icing and pink sprinkles!

 One last family gathering.  What a wonderful time we had together!