Silent Night

Another tradition for our family is the Candle Light Service at Badger Lutheran Church. We got to meet Uncle Chris's girlfriend Susie, and the kids fell in love. Max and Holyn sat next to them at church and behaved really well. Max was so quiet that we were a little surprised, until we looked down to see him asleep on Susie's lap. The last song we sang was Silent Night while the lights were dimmed and everyone's candles were lit. (I would take pictures, but I think it would be a little distracting). "Sleep in heavenly peace" for Max had new meaning, can you tell he is a little groggy in the picture!

Celebration Continues

The Iowa trip continues with a little time in Badgertown. We stayed with Boppa and Papa Jim and opened presents on the 23rd (boy, Santa is getting his workout delivering for us this year). Holyn got a V-tech Laptop Computer and Max scored the Smart Cycle video game system. Uncle Chris gave Holyn a Rachael Ray Kids Cookbook and Max finally got the long awaited "Whack a Mole Tower". If you haven't witnessed this marvel, well you are missing out!

We also got to celebrate Christmas at Cousin Jill's house (Grandpa George's old house). Its great to keep the tradition going in a place with so many memories of my grandparents. More cousins to have fun with and catch up with. Great food and lots of laughs. The night is not complete until we take a group photo, it only takes 10-15 tries!

Christmas with Cousins

Holyn and Max got to hang out with their Doran cousins at Grandma Ellen's house this week AND have a slumber party. Lots of fun, but not much sleeping went on. Max and Joe wrestled and the girls gave a concert with the talking Santa. Holyn and Melanie even had matching pajamas. Their cousins are Joe (10), Melanie (7), Megan (6) and Mallory (12 - not pictured). The next morning they all opened presents with Grandma Ellen, Mom, Dad, Uncle Tom, Uncle Jess, Uncle Patrick, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Amy and Mallory.

Santa Delivers on Saturday

We had our family Christmas this morning with the kids. We woke them up around 7, still dark here and told them that Santa had delivered some of their Christmas gifts early. Because we will be in Iowa seeing Grandmas and Grandpa, Santa made a special exception. They ran down the stairs, still a little sleepy eyed and started looking for their names on the packages. Max kept saying "what's it gonna be?" while he opened his. Holyn reacted a little like Uncle Chris used to and got very excited tearing at the papers. They were very polite and thanked Santa and Mom and Dad for all the gifts. They even shopped for Mom and Dad on their own at school (the school sets up a little store called the Christmas Boutique and all the kids bring a couple bucks and buy for their family members). Dad got a flashlight/toolbox from Max and a pair of thermal socks and screwdriver gadget from Holyn. Mom got a pair of fuzzy gloves from Max and chocolate from Holyn. The kids even bought for each other, Max got a puzzle and dissolving egg from Holyn and Holyn got a fuzzy frog stuffed animal from Max.

Decorating the Tree

The kids had a ball decorating the house yesterday and today. They love looking at Christmas lights and when they see a house all lit up I hear, "Wow, they are REALLY in the Christmas Spirit"! So far their favorite is decorating Grandpa George's little tree. They love that it is their size. And don't forget all the handmade ornaments from Grandma Hoyer. That makes it extra special. We used ornaments from Grandma Ellen to decorate the big tree in silver and gold. Holyn hung up the angels as Max got out the glass ornaments. I held my breath! They both did a great job being careful. Only one fatality, they broke a candy sucker ornament like they were wishing on the wishbone. Oh well, superglue fixes everything, right?