Christmas 2016 and the Days After . . .

Baking a few last minute cookies on Friday night before Christmas . . . .

 When Richie and Lydia came over for Christmas Eve breakfast they brought Bugsy,

their little rescued rabbit . . . (rescued from Lucy the Labrador's mouth ;-)

 We had Christmas breakfast on Christmas Eve morning . . .

 Then, our traditional tacos for Christmas Eve dinner before the candlelight service . . .

 At church for the candlelight service . . .

(a little challenging to get these four all smiling nicely and looking at the camera at the same time!)

 The traditional opening-of-one-gift on Christmas Eve . . . 

 This sweet little girl opening a gift from Kyle . . . 

 Valerie's gift to Brielle was an animal-making balloon kit . . .

Here, Daddy is saying, "Would you like a snake, an eel, or an earthworm?" : -)

 Definitely a Christmas-to-remember for our 10 year-old Joe! 

Richie and Lydia surprised him with a young tortoise! 

 Oh boy! Our big Christmas feast! 

We were so blessed to have our adopted WA Grandpa, Mr. Jerke join us! 

 Awh . . . .our precious Meemom and PapaBob!

 From Lydia's phone . . . : -)

A few pictures of the gift opening. .  .

(All of the gifts pictured below 

are from their grandparents! And these are just a few pictures that I could snap while all the gifts were being opened!) Thank you sooooooooooooo much 

PapaBob and Meemom, Papa and Grammie and Grandpa and Grandma! 

 Joe wanted this sign sooooooo badly when we were in Leavenworth!

 Timmy with his best "mad scientist" smile! ;-)

 Matching vests for the quad sisters . . .  

 Bikes for the five youngest . .  .

 A certain four year old little boy was quite excited! 

  Bob and Richie with their matching Christmas mugs .  . . 

 Papa Bob and Meemom demonstrating some dance moves . . .

 Monday night was an impromptu ladies night out . . .

and Victoria was the only one that got presentable for the outing to town . . .

so she represented us in this photo in the van.  : -) 

 Chocolate Christmas countdown calendars all used up! 

Fun in the snow today from Victoria's phone . . . 

 And fun for those of us that stayed at home . . .