December

December and January are the busiest months in our family. I'm sure December is probably crazy for many families! We had a great one.

 

First of all, this little kitten has gotten so big. She is super hyper and these two just love each other!

 

Hannah had a Christmas concert with her pre-school. She did such a great job singing and smiling up on stage. This was the last one that we'll attend at Mustard Seeds!

 

This is Mike's whole crew. I've been wanting to take a picture for his facebook page for a while now! 

 

Mike has gone hunting for the first time in his life this year. He hasn't had any luck while out hunting but he's gotten two dear from cars hitting them! This one got hit over by Chris and Miranda's house and had two broken legs. It was alive when Mike shot it, so technically he could count it!? 

 

The Monday before Christmas, Kathy had her annual cookie house decorating party. The girls love this Epley tradition! 

 

Mike and I enjoy it too! 

 

The house was full with kids! 

 

On Christmas Eve, we went to the kids' service at 4 pm. We sang Christmas carols, watched a drama (which Mike was a shepherd in!), and did a service project. We helped make hats and scarves for Community Sharing. 

 

Hannah was done with pictures by this point. 

 

After the service we went to Jeff and Tara's for dinner. It was a great night celebrating the birth of Christ with family. We played a nice friendly game of poker and I took 2nd!

 

Mike, Jeff, Grandma and Papa do not know the meaning of "goofy picture." 

 

On Christmas morning the girls woke up at about 8:30. We ate some breakfast, read from John, and then opened presents with grandma, Papa, Joe and Rachael.

 

This was a cute little bear that Ava bought for Hannah. She was very excited to get a gift from her big sister! 

 

Ava also bought and painted a letter for each of her sisters! 

 

The funny thing about this picture, my mom told us both to look and we both made the same face without realizing it.

 

My niece Rachael made all the girls their own blankets. They love them!

 

Mike made a giant Jenga set for the girls!

 

Mike's Aunt Amy was originally going to host Christmas, but unfortunately got really sick. Then we were thinking about moving it to Joe and Kathy's but they got sick too. So it ended up being here. It turned out to be a great dinner. We just really missed Don, Amy, Joe and Kathy!

 

Lucy was tuckered out from all the attention that day!

 

Merry Christmas! We're thankful for another blessed year.