Christmas 2017

 Christmas came and went quickly, as usual, and was also fun, as usual.  We had some friends over on Christmas Eve for dinner and a fun gift exchange.  I want to host that every year-so much fun for us and the kids!  Maybe next year I'll remember to take a picture. Henry fit into the stockings.

 Tate made glasses out of our new toy-Zoobs.

 Preschool Christmas Concert with his buddy, Liam Hanni.

 Avery made a candy castle forest at school.

 Finley fell asleep, but still held the I-Pad for her big brother.

 There was lots of snow and a little sledding.  Maybe next year I can drag the kids out sledding more often than we made it this year.  And yes, I often have to drag them, but they all have fun once we're there.  Except Finley makes me crazy because she won't keep her gloves on and it's super cold!

 Aunt Diane brought some hand-me-downs from her grandkids last time we were at mom's place in Kennewick.  We snagged some of these rad ski outfits that are so great for sledding!  Thank you!

 I loved watching Avery as she watched The Christmas Story, one of my faves!

 I spend a lot of time on our rocking chair.  This particular day, I had both little ones sleeping on me.  This time is fleeting and so precious.  I have had so many moments of recognizing the struggles of parenthood, but recently I've been flooded with feelings of gratitude.  I have five beautiful children who are so unique and really a lot of fun.  I know there are struggles, and I have a long way to go to become the mother I want to be, BUT I am so lucky and blessed to have these people in my life.  I feel like I will never be bored. But one day I probably will, and I will miss this hectic life.  They really do grow up so fast and I hope to savor these little people with their quirks because very soon they'll be adults like me!

 This year I kept the wrapped gifts under the tree all month.  Each person had a different wrapping paper, but wasn't told which was theirs (until Christmas day).  I was impressed how none of them tried to open any of the gifts, until this one day with Finley.  It's also funny that she wanted to open the smallest gift.  It's just her size, I suppose.  I didn't let her and it was only a phone stand for the car, anyway.  She's wouldn't have been too thrilled =)

 Finley really is adorable and hilarious.  These are her two faces she makes when I ask to take a picture.  "Noooooo!"

 Avery got a white board for Christmas and I heard her say she was in "paradise" to be teaching her animals with it.  Score!

 So much snow.

 Tate's Lego Penguin vehicle from Batman.

 Happy little Ralphie.