Christmas Travels

Well...due to a blizzard that decided to blow through the midwest smack dab in the middle of Christmas, plans were mixed around just a bit this year. We hadn't planned to travel until Wednesday morning. But, with reports of possibly not being able to go anywhere if one waited until then, at 5PM Tuesday night, we made the decision to leave for our Christmas Trek. I had not one thing packed, as I had been focused on Lainey's Christmas party that afternoon and our Christmas that we had had that week, etc. So, needless to say, the next couple hours were a flurry of activity. But, we managed to get things thrown together and had a safe drive Tuesday night. The worst part was wondering if the next mile was going to be the black ice they were reporting. But, God was with us, throughout all our travels and we made it to Kearney safely that night.

We started out Christmas with my family in Kearney.

Lainey, Sophie & Sawyer at the Christmas Eve Children's Mass. It was fun to see some classmates of mine after mass and catch up a little and see their beautiful families.

My sister-in-law, Mandy, and niece, Kinley, after mass.

Lainey and Sophie with their cousin, Aubrey. They had the most fun holding the babies, Aubrey and Kinley, this year whenever they could!


Sawyer and his cousin, Keaton, posing in their matching PJ's and rainboots.

Keaton, Sophie and Sawyer decorating the gingerbread house. Lainey was too busy playing the Wii. :)

The wonderful creation!

Due to the weather this year, we had Matt's family Christmas in Holdrege at Mike and Wendi's beautiful home on the 26th.

Sophie and Lainey with their cousin, Aldyn. They had the most fun together. What a little sweetheart she is!

Sawyer sportin' his new PJ's and slippers from Grammy and Grandpa Monte. He LOVES them!

Although the Sheffield-side Christmas was cancelled due to people being unable to travel, we were still able to spend some nice time with Great-Grandpa Hersh singing Christmas carols and visiting.

We had the Turnquist-side Christmas the evening of the 26th in Holdrege at Matt's Aunt Beth's and Uncle Brad's home.

Great-Grandma Elaine made Sawyer this cute little bag with his name on it.

Great-Grandma Elaine made the little girls these adorable doll quilts! The girls love theirs. By the time we tried to gather for the picture...it was getting a little late. :)

We were very lucky to have our good friends, The Maggio's, from Colorado, stay with us for a night on their way home from visiting their families in Indiana!!!

Sawyer and I went to Elmo Live on Saturday, January 3, with some friends. The girls were originally supposed to go, but their new little friend had a movie theater 'Princess and The Frog' birthday party which they chose instead. We also had my Keller-side Family Christmas that day...rescheduled from the previous weekend when they had 20" of snow up in Humphrey and treacherous roads. So, I took Sawyer to the concert, then drove up with just him to the Christmas...a little late. It was different not having everyone there...but then, what wasn't different about Christmas this year? :)

Sawyer was in AWE of the show. He waved and giggled the whole time. "Hi, Elmo!" "Big Bird!" He talked to all the characters and even today talks several times a day about Elmo Live. I'm SO glad we went!

Sawyer had no less than 15 suckers at the Keller Christmas this year. He just kept running to the table and grabbing them out of the candy can. :) I would find little sticks all over the place. :)

One of my favorite parts of Keller Christmas is the $10 gift exchange. I don't know how many are in the exchange now, but it grows every year. FUN!

I'm just so thankful for all the time we were able to have with family this year despite the weather. Had we not left Tuesday night, I'm not sure we would have had any time at all. Omaha got much more snow than central Nebraska where we were at. I just took the tree down last night and put the last bit of the Christmas decorations away. The time went way too fast as it always does. I'm sure it won't be long before I'm blogging 2010 Christmas, but I won't wish this year away...there are too many precious moments yet to happen.

"Our" Christmas

Santa came early to our house. We had a nice day together on December 20th. The kids woke up so excited that Santa came to our house. We enjoyed cinnamon rolls and orange juice and played games and just enjoyed each other throughout the day. Lainey had a soccer game in the afternoon. We finished the night with supper and a movie together before Lainey had school the next day. Despite the cold temperatures outside, we had a wonderfully warm day together.


Dad opening up his new airport approved work bag.


Sophie in her new beanbag from Santa.


Lainey sporting her new fashion scarf and playing her Leapster 2.


Princess Yahtzee!

Dad and Sawyer playing the Wii...Santa was good to us this year. What a fun family game for all ages!!!

Lainey playing her heart out in her soccer game (indoor!) :)

Fast, Furious & Fabulous Weekend

The weekend before Christmas was quick and busy...and filled with accomplishments, celebrations, gatherings of families and friends (and even a family picture)!

Thursday night Sophie had her preschool Christmas program. The kids had just come off many snow days, but even on very little practice, they did wonderfully!

Sophie and Sawyer after her performance.


Notice Sophie's little friend to her right...already at this young age she is influencing her classmates. This little boy used his dad's razor to shave his head just days before. :)


Friday my youngest brother, Scott, graduated from college. He knows in this market he is very fortunate to already have full-time employment...and especially that in which his talents and interests are utilized. Congrats, Scottie!


My entire family and Scott's godmother, Aunt Barb.

Since Kim, Brian and Aubrey were back from Seattle, a family friend took some pictures for us while we were all together. Since our last one, my brother-in-law, Brian, has been added to the family...and 4 grandkids as well!

Not too bad for 6 kids under 6! :)

Saturday evening my nieces, Kinley and Aubrey, were baptized!

What a wonderful service!

Aubrey Lynne

Kinley Jo

Following the baptism, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with all the families present. Then, we let the kids open their Christmas PJ's and ornaments from us (as we traditionally do on "our" Christmas Eve)...and jumped into the car to head home. We had asked Santa to come to our house early...and this was the only night it was going to work (as Lainey still had school the next week).

Lainey, Sawyer & Sophie in their 2009 Christmas PJ's. Don't you just want to snuggle them? :)

Christmas-Prep

So...I obviously took an extended leave from blogging. I'll try to catch up on some posts over the next several days.

Christmas seemed to come at lightning speed this year. We did our best to slow it down some and tried to do some activities that reminded us of the true reason for the Christmas Season...Christ and togetherness and focusing on others. The following are a few of our times together:

1. The kids again went through their toyroom and gave up some of their toys and books to kids that don't have as much as they do. I am always amazed that I am not met with any whining or opposition when we begin this task each year. (I don't know why I should feel amazed...maybe it's our commercialized society or that I simply don't give these little people enough credit.) It warms my heart to see their giving spirits at work!

2. We decorated the tree with Christmas CD's playing and hot cocoa. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the bottom of the tree is dragging and the front branches have multiple ornaments one in front of the other. I LOVE IT! The kids wanted to examine the ornaments and oohed and ahhed over each one.

3. We spent a wonderful snow day getting to know our new neighbor with several hours of dress-up play, making up dances and homemade playdough. (so many times that day did I smile and hold in my laughter listening to their conversations and watching them play) Here's to little girls and new friendships!!

4. The kids made snowflake ornaments with beads and pipe cleaners. The girls flew to it, but I was so surprised at Sawyer's intent concentration. No kidding, he sat and worked on his for a good 25 minutes...then wanted to work on it first thing the next morning. Dedication. I will remember them working together on their snowflakes each year I see them on our tree. I'd take these ornaments over Hallmark anytime!

Just starting...

So intent...

Lainey LOVES arts and crafts...this was right up her alley!

5. I'm room mom for Lainey's class. Sophie, Sawyer and I helped with her party at school. It's SO much fun being in a room full of excited Kindergarteners on party day!!!! I'm posting the treats I made because they were so simple, and the kids loved them. (The nose is a 'dot' candy...the "recipe" called for a Blow Pop sucker...but I thought that might be a little big.)

Lainey and Sophie working on one of the craft activities at the Kindergarten party.

6. Making Sugar Cookies...such a FUN together activity!

FROSTING and SPRINKLES...really, who needs the cookie? :)

7. Caroling at a local nursing home. The kids loved this...and so did we. We went with Matt's Knights of Columbus group through church. Sawyer gave each and every resident a hug and kiss afterwards. I remember caroling when I was young. Now, I'm watching my kids do it...and seeing the residents watch the kids...and knowing the kids start to understand the concept of helping others...nothing makes you feel better.

Whether the kids knew the songs or not...they sang their little hearts out!

8. Of course, we had Sophie's little dance performance. I did take video to post but forgot that if I turn my camera to film, everyone watching has to turn their heads sideways...so pictures will have to suffice. There's not much cuter than little Sophie in her tu-tu. :)

Boogie...Boogie

Ta Da!

Annie!

The girls and I went to the Rose Theatre Production of 'Annie' downtown Friday night. It was fantastic, and although the show was a little late for them (7PM start) the girls THOROUGHLY enjoyed it! I enjoyed it as well, and I was captivated by the girls' faces throughout the performance. What a wonderful night!


Enjoying dinner at Jimmy Johns before the show. Yum!

Here it is...The Rose Theatre!

Taking a little snack break at intermission. ...little cans of pop...such a special treat! :)

We had gone to The Gretna Community play, 'Cinderella', this summer which was really cute...and the girls first play. They were in awe of the Rose Theatre...as they were expecting just a high school stage. Fun!

Even though it was so late after the show...because The Rose is a family-friendly theatre, the cast answered questions after the production. Then, some of the cast members signed autographs. The girls were thrilled to meet 'Annie'!

A fun night was had by all! :)

Durham Western Heritage Museum

Tonight we made a spur of the moment decision to head downtown to the Durham Western Heritage Museum...our first visit there. We're fortunate to live in a city that offers so many different venues, and we often don't take advantage of the different activities. So, tonight we loaded up and headed down to visit Santa, participate in crafts and drink hot cocoa, see the largest decorated tree in the region, and view a pretty neat museum!


Lainey seeing Santa for the first time this year...what a cutie she is! :) This picture just makes me smile. How I love her so!

Look at Sophie beaming on Santa's lap! I had to smile as she was hoisted up there because as I asked her throughout the day what she was going to ask Santa for...all slipped from her mind as she looked at the jolly old man in red...and quietly said, "Barbie". She looks so little sitting there...I just cherish her and the light in her eyes this Christmas season!

I wondered how Sawyer would react to Santa. I didn't have to wonder long though as he ran right up to him and practically jumped onto his lap...and turned to give him a hug before he left. He is SO happy sitting there!...and I'm not even sure he really even gets who Santa is. :) Sawyer cannot get enough of the "Kismas Nights! Kismas Nights!" everywhere and every time he sees the glowing lights. It honestly makes my heart leap to hear him each and every time because I know he will probably not react this way to them next year. Oh...this little boy!! Oh...the excitement of a child!

I realize that I could have just posted this one picture of the kids with Santa...but since this is basically my diary/scrapbook as well as a way to stay in touch with all of you...I posted all individually too. :)

Gotta love a whipped cream mustache with a cup of hot chocolate!

Craft table! I don't need to say the kids LOVE this!

This picture doesn't do justice to the size or beauty of the tree. I should have asked how they got it in there. And, it really was neat being in the old train depot...we'll be back.