Our holiday season started off last weekend with 18 to 20 inches of snow. Honestly the storm was awesome because it forced us to stop, relax, and play. It was a little pre-Christmas present. 

 

The snow did however create a few issues for our animals.  Evan had to dig a trench from our house to the chicken coop in order to feed them. In fact we just opened the pen and allowed them to walk the line, so that they could get some exercise.  I love this picture. Evan got these chicks when they were one day old, so they are his little flock.

 

When the roads cleared our oldest child, Alex, made it home from college.  Thank goodness he did not attempt to drive route 81 in that storm. It is so much fun when we are all together; his arrival home officially starts the holidays for us. Alex's lovely girlfriend, Mallary, also is home, and she is a huge part of our family. They have been dating for 6 years. The baby boys adore her.

 

Here is sweet baby Grace with Elijah. Grace is almost 11 months old; this year has flown by.

 
I also celebrated my birthday on Christmas Eve, and it was wonderful. I am one of those lucky people who was born on Christmas Eve. I have never been bothered by my Christmas Eve birthday. In fact, it has always been a lot of fun. It was, however, really hard for Samuel; he did not understand why I could open presents and he had to wait until Christmas.

 

This is Nico; she is one of the people I love and respect the most.  Every day I am able to work and take care of my family with Nico's help. She is truly the most loving woman I have ever met.  I can't even imagine how difficult life would be without her help. Nico makes everything possible around here. We gave her a silver locket that had pictures of her grandbabies inside.

We also have a tradition of  decorating cookies together. This is a major undertaking as the red hots and spinkles usually end up all over the floor.

 

Notice we have a Easter bunny cookie. Sam was adamant that we needed a bunny cookie. With this many kids you just go with the flow. We always make a cookie for Santa, and that is put out for him each Christmas Eve.

 

My daughters Abby and Hannah did the most adorable thing this year.  They sent out invitations in the mail inviting their siblings to a slumber party in their room for Christmas Eve.  Evan and I received the below invitation that clearly told us we were not invited to the festivities.  I was totally impressed by their party idea, and I was very proud of the girls for bringing this fun event together for their siblings.

 

 

This is the whole family on Christmas Eve, just before we head out for church services. I always sneak back into the house and set up the first presents of Christmas. Everyone goes to sleep in new PJ's, and they are always waiting for the kids when we get back from church.

 

This is a picture first thing Christmas morn. The big present of the holidays was a puppy. She is our newest family member and the children named her Sadie. 

 

The boys had a ball in their new clubhouse that designer Debbie found for them. They also got their own wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes. We are hoping they will help in the gardens next year. Wishful thinking right? Actually, I was also hoping our new puppy Sadie would help with the gardens as well. We had such a huge deer problem this past growing season that I thought a herd dog would possibly keep them off of the property.

 

Grace loved the puppy and her new pink pony.

 

Later in the day Grandma and Grandpa  came by for dinner and to play with the kids. Alex and Grandmother actually did a little singing which was fun to see.

 

This has been a fabulous holiday season. I am so grateful for time with my family.  We have worked very hard this year and time with the family is such a gift. I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday season, and if we will be working together next year, welcome to this very big family. 

 

Holly