Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas Day {2015}


 
Merry Christmas! As you can see, our children did not get a lot of rest last night, the one downside of traveling during the holidays. Combine that with sensory overload, lots of presents and a less than balanced diet is a recipe for disaster. We started off the morning at my mom's like we always do.

 Hugs for grandma
 Someone got caught hiding with the iPad
 The boys got 'World's Best Uncle' shirts
Elissa relaxing in her new rocking chair
 All the kids watching a movie while breakfast is made
 
Around nap time we loaded up for round two at my dad's house.
 These kiddos love their papa Spence
 Emma opening gifts
 Ready to go shopping now
 Daddy and Easton working on the new combine
Elissa got a new set of wheels from papa
 
It was an extremely busy day, but we are so grateful to have wonderful family in our lives to celebrate the season with!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas Eve 2015

As like every year for as long as I can remember, we went to my grandma's house for Christmas Eve. Each year it's a little crazier, a little louder, a little more crowded. And I love it! We have dinner, hold our own Christmas service by candle light and open gifts. Wonderful memories for my kiddos! Of course I wasn't able to capture any pictures while the kids opened their present- it becomes complete chaos trying to keep track of it all.
 
 
 

Grandma has a lap full
My hairy hubby

When I was a younger, we always had to get the dreaded pics in front of the Christmas tree. All of the kids hated it. We would run and hid. If the adults forgot we certainly wouldn't remind them. Now I'm putting my kids through the same torture. Someday they will be thankful to have them. Even the ridiculous outtakes.
 
 
We are so thankful to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior!




Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Chaos

Christmas is crazy. Every year. Between finding the right gifts for everyone on our list, prepping, wrapping, it all gets a little chaotic. Having large families further complicates things. Parties to attend, kids' schedules to work around, traveling. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I feel truly blessed to have so many people to celebrate the holiday season with. This typically means we are not home on Christmas day. So we tend to do family gifts on a evening near Christmas. The kids get 4 gifts from us: a want, a need, something to wear, something to read.

 Emma was more than happy to climb under the tree in order to find all the goodies.

Reading the card she made for her little brother. She is such a good big sis!

 Easton sporting the new bracelet his sister made him

 Opening a new truck with daddy
 Elissa loves unwrapping her presents this year, so fun!

 Can you tell she got want she really wanted?!?

Winter Break Fun

I had big plans for the two weeks Emma had off school. But who am I kidding? Ain't nobody got time for all that during the holidays! We were able to head off to a place called Catch Air with our neighbors. The kids had a blast and are now taking naps courtesy of all that play time. I'm busy bathing in Lysol because ewww. The place was jam packed with so.many.children. I even watched a kid throw up 5 feet away from me. Praying everyone stays healthy now, especially since we are so close to Christmas!
 



I know the kids would love to go back sometime soon, but I'm not sure this mama can handle it. The lights, noise and children running everywhere was sensory overload. Not to mention the germs....

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Extended Klein Christmas

Our celebrating continued today to include Jason's extended family. We only see them once or twice a year so it's always nice to catch up with everyone. 
 
Easton was happy to assist in present opening
Emma was our little waitress, passing out snacks in the evening
Love these two!
This little girl was constantly on the go once she warmed up to the crowd

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Klein Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with Jason's side of the family last night. I am realizing that since our family has grown and the activity level has increased, my photography has taken a hit. I only got one picture of Emma because she was busy playing the part of Santa, passing all the gifts out.
She looks so grown up here!

 Reading stories with Aunt Jessica
 Helping papa unwrap his gifts
 Sitting with grandma
 My hairy hubby
The kids were thrilled with their new gifts and well worn out by the time we got home!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Easy DIY Gift for Kids

I made two fort kits for different families for Christmas. They were a lot of fun to put together. I ended up getting extras of everything so my kiddos have their own stash of goodies.

I included flat sheets or large tablecloths for the fort, along with rope and clips to help assemble. There is a flashlight for each child, glow sticks and snacks. I also included a cute diagram that shows how to make different shadow puppets that I found via Pintrest. These were super easy to make and a big hit!

Here's the fort my littles built!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Spence Family Christmas 2014

We welcomed December early with our fist party of the season yesterday. It was hosted at my aunt's house. With 11 cousins in the family, 3 of which are married with children, we quickly fill up a room! I love seeing the second cousins interact. We aren't able to get together often, but when they see each other again they pick up right where they left off. I forgot my camera again so sorry for the poor picture quality. The kiddos were so busy, I hardly got any as it is.
Cheese

Easton was thrilled with his new tractor and wagon

Emma got lots of new crafts to make
 Elissa met the newest member of the family, little Emily. She was happy to show off her toys and talk for a while.