Let the Games Begin

Chad and I had been trying to figure out what to get the kids for Christmas.  We're kind of past the point of buying little, itty bitty toys for the kids.  We prefer getting them things that may hold up for longer than a few days.  So, while I was talking with a friend(Thanks, Ang!), she mentioned something that her boys were getting and it was an excellent idea!

It's something that everyone in the family can enjoy.  And, it's durable enough that it won't end up on next weeks trash run.  A win-win!!

We've already had many hours of competition and laughter!!

An air hockey table.

(Yes, Chloe has already learned why we don't put our fingers on the table....)

It also makes into a ping pong table.

 

I'm not sure who is enjoying this gift more....the kids or Chad??!!

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner was a bit more quiet than in previous years.  Usually, there are more people than room at the table.  Not this year.  We ended up staying home this year and our family wasn't able to join us.  So, it was the 5 of us.  (Well, 6...we can't forget Bubbles)

It was still nice.  We've become very proficient in making the best out of any situation.  And, so we did.  Our meal was great.  The company was even better.   And, like many holiday dinners that have occurred in the past, a few (mainly Chad) enjoyed a nice after dinner nap.  Some things never change.

A Gift from Samantha

Miss Samantha got me a gift this year that I think is one of the most unique and beautiful things I have ever received. 

It's a bracelet made from antique silverware handles.  Samantha chose the charms.  

They are a puppy dog, a cross, and a little child praying. 

A couple at our church make these and Samantha has admired the jewelry many times.  I feel so lucky to have one now.  Thank you so much, Samantha Grace!!  I love you. 

Christmas Breakfast

Baking is one of my favorite things!!  Usually, life creates a schedule that doesn't allow me to enjoy baking as much as I would like.  However, the holidays at our house bring a few extra minutes and an increased need for a little baking.

This year, I decided to go out on a limb and try something I've never done before....I attempted to make cinnamon rolls from scratch!!  It was very intimidating.  But, they turned out better than I could have hoped!

Getting ready to go in the oven.

My 1st batch of Cinnamon Rolls!!

They were Delish!!!

A Visit with Santa

The Christmas season wouldn't be the same without having a quick chat with Santa.  He came to a local diner with Mrs. Claus to visit with the children.  The line was long, but the kids were determined to wait for their turn. 

Cody was quick with his wishlist and made sure he answered yes to all the questions about being a good kid throughout the year.

Samantha was very thorough with her wishes and used her charm to really seal the deal for a good present turn out. 

Chloe has been talking a big game about what she would tell Santa and how she would get to sit on his lap.  Well....she chickened out.  She refused to get too close.  Instead, she opted for just keeping a respectable distance and informed him of a few things she would like. 

They were each given a book and bag of candy from Mrs. Claus and we were on our way.

Thanks, Santa and Mrs. Claus!!
Merry Christmas!!

Archery

For those that know Cody, you understand how much he loves hunting, archery, guns and shooting.  It's a passion that he and his dad both share.  Many, many hours are spent discussing different guns, bows, hunting seasons and so on.  It's amazing how much he knows already. 

Well, it would be no surprise then to know that Cody was ecstatic to learn that his school is beginning an archery program and team.  Gym time has been spent teaching all of the children about archery and allowing them to try shooting a bow.  After the first of the year, Cody's school will be creating a archery team and he is determined to be on it. 

At the top of Cody's Christmas list this year was a compound bow.  So, instead of getting one that he didn't like, we let him pick one out.  This is the one he chose...

He's a natural and makes it look so easy.

His 2nd shot. 

(I think he has the hang of it.)

Yeah.  And that's how it's done.

Nice!  Way to go, Cody!

Christmas Program at Church

This year was the first time the kids have been in a church program.  They were all very excited to have a role and have speaking lines.  We practiced, practiced and practiced some more.  And, it paid off!  They did so great and had a wonderful time. 

Cody was the shepherd.   Chloe was a sheep.  Samantha was an angel and a king.  And, Chad was the narrator.

Our church family loved the program as well.  Such a special day!!

 Singing their song.

 All of the kids and the program director.

Ha!  Nice look, Chloe!!

Cody, the shepherd.

She's always an angel, but today she was allowed to wear her needed attire!

Waiting for their cue.

Great job, kiddos!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Our Family

We bought a new camera.  It's wonderful!  There are so many features and settings that I will probably spend the better part of the year trying to figure it out.  But, it's still awesome!  

So, in honor of our new camera....

Here are some family pictures.

  Chad & Chloe

 A daddy and his girls.

Chad and the three amigos.

Samantha, Mom, Chloe and Cody

I love them so much!!

Like a Kid at Christmas

Our Christmas was wonderful.  Being able to be with our family was so much fun, as always.
Like every time before, the time goes by so quickly.  We have to remind ourselves to enjoy each moment.
These kiddos make it easy to do just that!

Christmas Stockings

Christmas stockings are for gifts, candy, small presents from Santa....Right?!

Apparently not!

Chloe has her own idea of what they should be used for...

 

A Day on the Farm

Cold or not.  The kids love the farm.  

Any excuse to run around outside, feed the animals, or ride the tractor.

Their sense of adventure is always in full force when they are on the farm together.

Some great memories are made here.

And lifelong friendships too!

From Samantha

Our Christmas Gift from Samantha.
Love it!  Love her!!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa Claus made many visits around town this year.  We decided to go see him while he was at 1/2 Pints Frozen Custard.  What could be better than custard and Santa on the same day?!

Chloe was so excited.  She couldn't wait to talk to Santa.  She kept waving at him while she was waiting for her turn.  When it was finally her turn, she went right up to him and said, "Hi, Santa."  Although she refused to sit on his lap, she still told him what she would like.  A visit with Santa and no tears...I thought that was success!

Miss Samantha and Mr. Cody also visited with Santa too.  They both were hesitant.  I'm thinking they are on the fence of thinking they are too old for this "kid" stuff.  I say that's just nonsense and was glad they went up there too.  We had a great time and it was great to see such joy on all of their faces!

First meeting with Santa.

Santa showing Chloe his jingle bells.

Chloe refused to take her eyes off of Santa.  One wrong move and she would be outta there!

Miss Samantha and Santa

Mr. Cody and Santa

A Big Idea

I always have big ideas.  Usually, they never pan out.  That never usually stops me from always coming up with more "great" ideas.  This time is no different.

I found an idea on the web for making Christmas ornaments.  I thought it would be a simple and creative gift for friends.  Creative is correct.  Simple it was not.

It kinda turned into a mess.  A big mess!

I had the grand idea of just working on the kitchen table....with steel letter punches, super glue and spray paint.
Whoops!

My ever patient, helpful husband stepped in at this time and lent his assistance.  :-)
(I think he just didn't want me to destroy what was left of our kitchen and table)

Many hours, mumblings and dirty looks later....

Our 2010 Christmas ornament.

Dear Weatherman,

Traveling is in our near future.

We are leaving late next week to go back to Nebraska for Christmas.  So, I've been watching the weather reports.  Everyday.  Usually a few times per day.  Hoping and praying that we get to have nice weather for our trip.  It can be cold.  I expect the coldness.  Just please, no snow or sleet.

We would have some very disappointed children(young and old) if we didn't get to spend Christmas with our family.  So...
Dear Weatherman, I would appreciate it very much if you could accommodate my wishes.  I will gladly take many feet of snow in January if you could hold off for a few weeks.
Thanks so much, Tammi

Just Because

Because I love to see the excitement on our children's faces...

Because Chad was home with us all weekend...

Because it was bitterly cold out and there was snow on the ground...

Because the presents have been sitting under the tree for over a week, just begging to be opened...

Because it was a cozy Sunday morning and we were all in our pajamas...

And mainly, just because....



We let the kids open one Christmas present each!!!!

Chloe got a band in a box.  

Samantha got a Illustory.

Cody got a Star Wars PS3 game.

Christmas Dance Recital

Miss Samantha had her Christmas Dance recital last weekend.  She was so excited to finally show us both of the dances she has been learning.  Her class did a tap dance to Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow and a ballet dance to Silent Night.  It was wonderful!

I think Samantha would say that the highlight of her weekend was that Grandma Sillman, Great Grandma, Aunt Katie and Logan(cousin) were able to come down to watch.  Grandma did her stage makeup and Aunt Katie did her hair.  So much fun!