Cleaning and scrubbing will wait ’till tomorrow, but children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs! Dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep. – Ruth Hamilton

Friday, December 28, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas 2012 with The Watsons

After our time at the lake we loaded the kids up and headed to our second Christmas with Mark's side of the family.  Usually we head there around lunch time, but since we have three little ones we decided to do what worked best for our kids.  This was leaving after their naps...well that was our plan, but of course there were NO NAPS, but they were having so much fun we didn't care. 

As soon as we got in the car they all fell asleep and got the much needed rest to finish the night with more family.  When we got there they were a little out of it, but soon jumped into the fun.  They knew they were going to have another Christmas!  As you can see there was so much fun happening-Nanny and Papa H. did so much for everyone.  Once again!





Lincoln hasn't seen Ireland in a long time.  He was very interested-especially her bow!

There were a lot of trucks around!

Avery was wanting to help with her baby cousin and so excited to have another girl around.
 Then the unthinkable happened...all five kids (three and under) in matching PJ's attempted a picture together!

 I would say we got some great shots!

 We stayed up way too late and a lot of fun!  What a special end to our holiday!   My kids are going through cousin withdraw today, but we have spent ALL day in our PJ's watching movies, eating popcorn, snuggling, playing with all our new toys, and being thankful for the people around us!!!!! 
 
Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas 2012 At The Lake

I am feeling a little sad today that Christmas came and went.  This year, we had so much going on with Mack that the weeks leading up to the day flew by.  As I'm writing this I realize I haven't even sat down to add to the blog.  But as I look through our pictures, I realize how much fun we have been having as a family.

About seven years ago, my side of the family decided to celebrate one Christmas down at the lake-I have great memories from that time so we decided to do it this year.  Of course we were adding five more kids to the picture-things were different, but not any less fun.  My thought was how lucky my kids are to get to wake up with their cousins on Christmas morning!

We loaded everything in the car (that was a treat) and headed down the day before Christmas eve.  Our kids love the trip down there and get so excited about going to the lake house.  Mum and Papa were waiting for our arrival.  I have LOTS of pictures from our time and feel they tell a much better story.

Just looking at the lake

watching Polar Express

Last time we did Christmas at the lake we made ornaments.  I got this idea from a friend of mine to paint tissue paper on the ornaments with glue.  It was a fun thing for us to do together.



they turned out nice

Then the other part of our crew arrived and we headed to church


When we got back it was time for a seafood spread and gift exchange with the cousins


My mom got them matching PJ's and we tried hard to get them all together...

Mack is trying so hard-he is such a good big brother...sometimes:) Avery just isn't sure what to think:)



 
It was our first year to leave Santa some cookies.  Avery was learning about it from her big cousins




And then a crazy thing happened...Santa stopped by!




 
The adults were left with time alone to exchange gifts.

 Then the morning arrived and they woke up!!!






What lucky kids we have!  This time will always be treasured and we hope to instill in them how blessed they are...not only for the "things" they received, but for how much love and support they have around them.  They won't always be little and they won't always have this much time to give to each other, but for now we are happy to spend this special time as a family. 

As Avery would say, "Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!"  We are working on the true meaning of Christmas-our faith has helped us through a very hard time and we have so much to celebrate with the birth of Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!