Wanna see at TON of Christmas pictures? Good!
Wednesday was the start of Winter Break and our PTO sponsored a movie day for the kids. Kylee had plans with a friend (ok, she was hanging out with her boyfriend, actually) but Kael, Kase and I went and of course Kase found some buddies there.
We squeezed in a little more baking and just had a fun afternoon hanging out.
Later Kase and his best buddy exchanged gifts. Kase LOVED his Bills football!
Then we did gingerbread houses! It was fun but we all agreed this is probably the last year we need to do it. The kids are certainly growing up.
Kent about died when Kylee put Kael's hair up. Ha.
The next day we delivered a little Christmas joy to my parents.
And had fun stomping around their backyard.
That evening we met up with some of Kent's family and the kids each brought a friend and we went bowling! So, so fun. Later Kael went to the Operating Room with his friend and Kylee went to Jolly Holiday Lights with her friend.
Friday was Christmas Eve! We look forward to this day all year. A whole day, just us five. Made pancakes and butter bread for breakfast.
Then kids wanted to open gifts from each other.
We really enjoyed playing a new game, Hot Seat.
Kase loved all his Crew gear.
Kent's air fryer was a hit! In fact, we used it later that day to make a pork loin.
Kylee got one of Kase's new toys stuck in her hair. Lucky it wasn't too difficult to get it out!
Kent set up a little Christmas karaoke in the driveway. So, so hilarious. We are a sporty family but we are not so much a musical family besides Kael!
We took a family walk because it was so nice out.
Had some lunch and snacks.
Then opened a few more gifts. Kase loved his box of "spicy stuff".
Then we went ice skating! It was a blast.
Hard to believe it was shorts and t-shirt weather!
Kase especially loved it. I think he would have stayed all day!
A little kid short-stopped right in front of Kylee so she fell down and got all wet. Lucky her older brother was there to make her feel good about herself. Ha! She was actually a good sport about it - we had an extra shirt for her to change into and she wasn't hurt at all. But Kase and Kael were ready to go after the kid for her!
Back at the house we finished up gifts. The bigs got new phones. And I got a video but not a good picture of Kael unwrapping his big gift- tickets for him and Kent to see Metallica in Las Vegas in February! He was so excited. Kase was equally excited about his new basketball shoes.
Then we all got cleaned up for Christmas Eve church.
Kase found his friend Jett there. We are used to seeing these boys in jerseys but they sure clean up pretty nicely!
Kase was excited to see his cousin too.
After church we ate at Tavern 180 then came home to watch Home Alone 2. It was really a great day.
The next morning, Kael and Kylee were awake before Kase. I had to snap this picture because it made me laugh so much- while they waited for Kase to wake up, they went in Kael's room and watched Mickey's Christmas together.
Then, time for presents! The kids were all excited and very appreciative of all their gifts.
We loaded up and headed to Mom and Dad's and they had these cute snowman gifts for each family!
After breakfast the kids wanted to exchange the gifts they had gotten each other. This is always a highlight of the day. The kids are so proud to give their gifts and honestly everyone always seems thrilled with what they receive!
My parents make it so fun.
Kase was thrilled to open a book! He sat quietly and read it while others opened their gifts. So sweet.
Kael loved his hat and (later) his Beats!
These dog masks were a hilarious thing my parents and I had come across while shopping together earlier this year. I was happy everyone else thought they were as funny as we did!
While some of us were sad there was no snow this year, we sure did enjoy spending a lot of the day outside!
These "Lost Boys" could have been out there all day I think!
Kael was so excited to show Mandy a few guitar tips and tricks since Tyson got a guitar that day.
Another big highlight of the day was playing Kahoot! Kael had worked on making one before we went over there with a few question suggestions from Grandpa and everyone just loved it. We ended up making two more quizzes while we were there!
Back outside for a little more fresh air.
These cuties stole my phone for a selfie.
These guys made a fort out of the boxes. Honestly all the kids just got along so well and entertained themselves all day.
Everyone loved their gifts, the food, everything was just great! Then Kylee, and all of us really, hit a wall. After dinner we headed home and did a little unpacking and sorting.
Kase squeezed in just a little late night football with his new Charge football.
And a few minutes playing with his gift from Tyson until we made him go to bed. I was up late doing laundry and was surprised to find Kylee had gotten her second wind and was sorting and organizing her presents and her room and closet.
The next day, I loved waking up to a quiet morning to use my new coffee mug!
Then we got to work. Kent and I took down the tree and all the Christmas things. Kylee helped and Kael went to work. Later Kase had a friend stop by and play for a bit and Kylee's boyfriend came over too. Kent went to the office to take down the tree too. I cleaned and finished laundry and it felt.so.good to have the house back in order!
Later Kent took the boys to Keith and Cindy's for a bit to watch football and play pinball and Kylee had volleyball practice.
We had a wonderful Christmas and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of Christmas break with the kids!
