Winter things

 With the cold days and the long nights, we've found things to keep us busy.

This was the first time that I made homemade cutout sugar cookies.

They turned out pretty good considering it was our first time!

Lots of board games have been played.

And books that have been read.

We like to prolong the stockings and open one present every few days to keep the fun going.

On Sunday afternoon, December 20 we decided to have our small little family party.

Before we opened presents, we decided to bring our neighbor Joe some treats and carol for him :)

Steve spent many hours over break working on his Chiefs helmet "lego" set

Avery liked this big gem maker for stickers

Aubrey has spent many hours making her own story on "Story Jumper"

New Year's Even party at home with games, good food, and movies! The girls made it until 9:30 this year! 

Helmet complete! 

I took over Avery's present to do her diamond dot art :)

Sledding

With the lots of snow that came means time for sledding!

First we tried our little hill down by the horses and then we upgraded

to "Big Bertha" - which is the hills behind the Middle School! 

We got all 3 off our sleds about 8 years ago at a garage sale for $1

and they have held up so well over the years!

Fun was had by all and no injuries, even better! 

 

Kaisand/Vander Schel Christmas

On Monday, December 28 we had the Kaisand Christmas

with the whole family and on Tuesday, December 29 we had the VDS party. 

The girls made a haul with their stocking gifts. 

Playing the Left Right game always proves to be a challenge with the kids :)

Kaisand cousins on the couch 

We put together a photo book of our Tennessee trip 

Avery got "two front teeth" from Santa

She was a good sport about it

matching in maroon 

Aubrey did a quick check on one of the cows she might show

The girls both got matching jammies with their dolls

On Tuesday morning, we bumped the VDS party up in the morning to try to beat the snowstorm that was coming. The whole Kaisand family was there so we had to document. 

Amanda was so kind and got each of the kids a gift, too!

We left around 12:30 and drove home in snow, but made it home safely!