What a Blessed Christmas Season!

We are so very thankful for the most precious gift of all...Jesus Christ. How precious it is to be reminded of the miraculous birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And how much more precious it is to remember that he came to take on flesh and dwell with us to ultimately take the punishment for our sins as the sacrificial lamb on the cross. God is faithful!

December started with our tradition of making gingerbread houses with friends. It was fun to see the kids this year. They were very into decorating and willing to take some time to do it. Usually the kids are in a rush to get back to playing. The engineer dads had a wonderful plan to make the roofs more stable this year. I think it worked, but only 2/5 houses were still standing a week later (other things to improve on for next year). LOL! Lots of fun and something the kids look forward to each year. I look forward to the left over gingerbread parts!!!!

Rylie meticulously working...

And her masterpiece...

Isaac's creativity at work...

And his masterpiece...

When we were purchasing candy to decorate with, Isaac found discounted pumpkins from Halloween and had to have them b/c he wanted his gingerbread house to have a pumpkin patch.

We enjoyed our traditional Christmas celebrations...Christmas Eve with Matt's family, Christmas morning at home and the rest of the day at Mom's. It was very nice to have Grandma Conrad with us for our Christmas Eve festivities. It is also very exciting to think about next year's Christmas with new little ones to share the fun with!

Rylie and her new American Girl, Kirsten!

Isaac learning to operate his new nerf gun.

Rylie, Isaac and Grandma
What a blessing! Before last Christmas, we were told that
she probably wouldn't be here this year!
Praise God for healing and precious time!!!

Rylie trying out Isaac's new nerf gun.
Love the concentration!!!

Rylie's very own pioneer dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isaac with his Boy Scout handbook, Dangerous Book for Boys and
his very own 50 ft of rope!! That will keep him busy.

Rylie, Luke and Renee.
It is soooo hard to get a good picture of my brothers!!!

Rylie, Isaac and Chase enjoying a game of electronic banking Monopoly.

I can't believe how long they stuck with the game...
HOURS!!!

Pappa, Mike and Dad

Cindy trying out Isaac's new nerf gun