Merry Christmas

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebrating with family and friends.  We did although the break always go by way too fast.  But now the new year is upon us and we are excited for all that God has in store for us in 2013.  I have been listing goals and getting organized for the year while the kids have been getting back into the groove of school and routine again.  They have actually done really well after a full 2 weeks off.  We eased our way back in with a little bit of school each day.  "Shocking" their system would not have been good for them or mommy :)  I have to remember that for next year...
We have also had a couple of snowfalls so the kids are outside pretty much everyday building forts, walls and igloos.  They are at such a fun age to love going outside (and can dress themselves for the most part!)
Here are just a few pics to share!

 Our family picture just before Christmas Eve Service...not too shabby this year.  They are actually all looking!

Christmas in their matching PJ's before opeing gifts.  

Getting them what they want is so worth the excitement!  This was genuine excitement as Josiah opened up his camera.  He had been asking for months and since he is our little creative guy, it was a no brainer on our part to get it for him.  He takes pictures all the time and he is really good about taking care of it.   

 Our big sports fan was excited to get this all in 1 sports net to practice football, baseball and soccer.  It was a bummer that the next day put 5 inches of snow on the ground so we couldn't set it up yet!  Hopefully some of it will melt soon because rain, shine, cold or not, that kids wants to be outside!!!

Hannah was SO HAPPY to get this horse that she had been asking for and asking for and asking for... 

Jonas really like his car racer.  Not sure if the bigger boys loved it just as much though!

The boys have been working on this tunnel for the past few days.  It is certainly keeping them busy.  Pretty sure they might be digging to China!

There are certainly so many more I could post but I just chose a few.  But these pictures represent lots of family time.  Movies and popcorn, relaxing, bringing cookies to the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. on Christmas Day, having family over, hot chocolate after playing outside, having friends visit, pajama days and enjoying the snow fall.  It was truly a nice relaxing break from all the hub bub.  We simplified a lot this year on things like decorations and gifts and honestly, I think it made a difference.  Don't get me wrong, there were still times of stress and feeling overwhelmed but I feel like we were able to enjoy the season since we let go of some things and focused on what was important.