Christmas events pictures

I'm finally getting around to catching up on pictures!  Truthfully, I went to use Steve's work computer to upload the pictures earlier this week, and his charger cord was not working.  Add that to a home computer that won't stay on for more than two minutes at a time without shutting itself down, and I couldn't win!  But... last night Steve and I found a great deal on a netbook and we are now back up and running with a great new laptop! :o)  So... here are some pictures from some of our various Christmas events:

We spent Christmas Eve at my mom and dad's.  Steve was so blessed to have these boys climbing all over him!

My brother and his children, Camden (9), and Oriana (11)

Grandma and her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.  What a BLESSING to get to spend Christmas with Grandma this year!

Nolan was SO EXCITED for his gift from Great Grandma Grinstead!

Silas was too.  Grandma got him a guitar and he ran and hugged her.

Grandma got Avery a keyboard to replace his broken one.  He was very excited.  We were happy to find that it has a microphone too (that happens to not have a volume control... lol!)

Chaille LOVED her baby doll from Grandma.  Every year for Christmas, Grandma has sent money for us to buy the kids something from her.  I think that this year it meant SO much more to them because they could thank her in person.  What a lovely time they had with her!!

There was also Birthday Cake for Jesus at Grandma's house!  Chaille loved it, AND the bath that happened after :O)

And there was good conversation.  Silas was being so mature here talking with the adults!

Grandma and her oldest grandchild.  Oriana is getting so big, and is really into cheerleading and gymnastics.

We came home from Grandma's and got ready for Santa.  The boys left him cookies and milk.  They went up to bed at about 9:30. 

In years past, they have gotten up several times to check to see if Santa had come.  This year, I reminded them before bed that Santa only comes when the kids are asleep.  They stayed down without one child getting up to check this year.  Of course, Avery and Silas woke up for the day at 4:10, but at least we didn't have any kids spoil it for the others by peeking for Santa all night.

Sorry for the blurry picture, but I was in a hurry to capture this.  Nolan and Chaille slept until the boys woke them at 7:20.  Nolan woke up and yelled "Santa!"  Then he came down and ran to the tree saying over and over again, "HE CAME!"  To me, the innocent joy that Christmas brings to the children is what makes the day so special.  Especially because all day long, you could hear this little boy singing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus!!

Silas was so happy for his bow and arrow!

And Avery was so excited for his BB Gun!

Chaille enjoyed Christmas, but seemed almost overwhelmed with ALL of the new things.  She bounced from one thing to the next.  She liked her doll house and dress up shoes the best!

Nol was such a delight this year.  He was just so appreciative for everything.  Actually, they all were.  But Nolan was the most outwardly excited about each and every aspect of the day!

Silas finally had enough!  He dozed off around 4:30 in the afternoon.  And slept for almost 3 hours!

Daddy and Nolan enjoyed some snuggle time!

Avery is such a handsome boy!  He was so happy with our Christmas this year! I think his favorite part was spending the whole day with his parents and siblings, playing with his new toys.

After spending all day Christmas together at home, we headed to  Steve's parents to celebrate with them.  Avery has been wanting an electric train for years now, and he was delighted to receive one from Grandma and Grandpa this year!

Chaille was such a pretty girl in her Christmas dress from Great Grandma Marjorie!!

The kids all got new sleds for Chrismas from Grandma and Grandpa.  Chaille couldn't wait to play in hers.  Hannah and Silas had fun pulling her around!

Grandpa and his girl!  She is all about her papaws!

Uncle David and his family were down and we were able to visit with them at Randy and Deb's.  Chaille enjoyed entertaining Tamie and Christopher!

Avery just loves to be with Uncle Scott and Aunt Suzanne!

Nolan woke up from his nap very cuddly, and enjoyed supper on daddy's lap!

Chaille enjoyed supper on Grandma's lap!  They had fun, although Grandma was not feeling very well.

Monday, we made it to Great Grandma and Grandpa Shell's house.  Chaille kept asking grandpa to "rock-it" in this chair.  I bet she rocked for a half an hour!

Grandma made up cookies and milk for the kids.  I'm not sure who enjoyed this time more, Grandma or the kids??

Grandma and Nolan were laughing together over his snack.  So sweet!

Chaille let Grandma hold her like a baby.  It was so sweet.  She doesn't hardly ever let anyone hold her that way any more!

 I know that I said it in the earlier post about Christmas, but we had a WONDERFUL Christmas this year.  I am so thankful for the many blessings this family has, all year long!!!