Christmas 2014

We had a slightly rough start to Christmas break with Phoebe.  I think this is just foreshadowing our future with a pre-teen and by the looks of it, I can certainly wait.   In the mean time, we chuckle at our little drama queen and pray that we raise her right.

Christmas Eve we went to YiaYia and Papou's church and then came back to their house for dinner.  After a minor puking incident due to chugging milk and choking on a piece of bread, we attempted to get some pictures.  As you can see, Maverick would not cooperate with Auntie.

This pretty much sums up life with Maverick these days, full speed ahead!

He did briefly pause for a picture with Uncle Steve however...

Upon returning home, Phoebe sprinkled her reindeer food (with glitter) so they'd be able to easily find our house later that night.

Before heading to bed, the kiddos got to open two presents.  Their ornaments (Elsa and Olaf).

And their pjs.

Keeping with tradition, they had to wait at the top of the stairs until we gave them the green light.  You can see they were having a hard time staying at the very top...

1-2-3...Go!

Santa was pretty good to ALL of us!  He even brought Ryan new boots!

I was pretty excited about Phoebe getting her very own Bible this Christmas.  The fact that it was in her favorite colors is just icing on the cake!

Not to mention they offered embossing in tie-dye fashion!

I think the sleds Santa brought have futher jinxed the snowfall we have yet to receive here in Indiana.

One of the most amusing toys the kiddos got in their stockings were these ball poppers!  

Fun for everyone!

Phoebe will tell you here favorite gift were her roller blades!  We spent a good hour riding around the basement after breakfast!

Sneaking a cookie before heading to GGMa's and GGPa's house!

The ball poppers were a big hit in Anderson, too!

Maverick helping his 89 year old great grandmother open her Christmas gifts.

Attempting a second-cousin photo.

Phoebe has discovered the art of the selfie!

The next day, YiaYia, Papou, Uncle Steve and Auntie Kate came over to continue the Christmas celebration.  Uncle Steve gave Maverick this fort construction set which was quickly set up as an igloo!

Once all the presents were opened, creativity ensued with the empty boxes.

Ryan has been having fun videotaping in slow-motion...

We had to try out a few games and puzzles.

With the warm weather still around, we headed outside to try out the roller blades (which apparently every kid under the age of 7 in our neighborhood also got)! 

She was a pro in no time!

The boxes continued to provide entertainment days after the holiday.

Phoebe bought a Nerf bow and arrow set with one of her gift cards and has been getting lots of practice in the basement.

Phoebe has been asking to go ice skating so we coordinated with Auntie Kate to hit the ice!  Phoebe was SO excited!

Taking a quick break.

We shut down the place and got to watch the zamboni clean off the ice!

New Year's Eve, the kiddos headed to YiaYia and Papou's house to ring in 2015 while we headed out to dinner and saw the movie Unbroken.  

YiaYia joined us for our annual New Year's Day lunch at Shapiro's downtown.  We're excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2015.  May He bless you and yours in the coming year!