Christmas Week

 Christmas Sunday is my favorite day of the year.  Maddie narrated the church musical program, and we sang "Picture a Christmas" together, I accompanied.  I'm just so thrilled that they know how to sing anthems to the Lord.

 He is my favorite, ever.

 We spent the afternoon reading and playing together.  Each night this week Grandma and Grandpa B. came and ate dinner with us.  Because we had no outside influences or responsibilities, each evening was relaxed and beautiful.

 Together.

 Monday we hiked up a perilous cliff.  We always end up bush wacking.

 The views are mostly worth it.

 Sedona really has perfect weather.

 Tuesday was Christmas Eve.  More and games a little more shopping made the morning quickly pass, though that wasn't our intention.

 Austin really did shop like this.  We ran into his mother, and she didn't recognize him. HAHAHA!

 Gaming again.

 Maisie and the girls made Santa cookies for Santa. 

 Dinner folk at the bar.

Dinner folk at the table.

 The ladies.

 Once dinner was cleaned up we gathered to act out the nativity.  How blessed we are that we know the truth of Christmas and the majesty of God's gift to all his children.  Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.

 New pajamas and lots of buffalo plaid.

 Hugs and kisses.

 I have no idea how Meg staged this picture so that she looks like an elf, but she did.  And I think it's incredibly hilarious.

The rules of our night include all the children sleeping in the basement and not emerging until morning.  They all obeyed.

The Final Week

Although there were a million things to take care of in preparation for the holiday, Grandma and I (along with Molly) tiptoed to the theater and watching the new Mr. Roger's show.  Molly mostly sat still, and she mostly whispered.  She wanted to play in the photo booth, so we took these together.

 Maisie and Ryan created our family study board.

 Nick had a great time at school with his buddies -- his teacher sent me this.

 Andy endured finals and crashed every afternoon.

 We finally decorated our gingerbread houses.

 Ryan's house is especially full.

 Maisie spent hours on hers.

 Sunrise.

 I wrapped presents for hours.

 I awakened to a magical sorting.

Then they made a fort.

 She doesn't quite know what to do with it all.

 I made them all come and carol with me.

 Meg hugging Grandma after four months of missing her.

 Austin took his big kids biking.  I guess Maisie is just an animal on a bike.  I think that's so funny.

 Andy bounced with all the friends.

 Ryan wanted a picture of his "abs" post haircut.  Keep working, buddy, those are just ribs.