Christmas day

Christmas morning the girls were showing off their new crowns. I thought that would be a unique stocking stuffer for the year. I did not figure out something interesting for the boys. Gift-giving is so hard. I'm a repeat year-after-year giver. So to come up with a new idea is pretty big. 

The boys were happy just to be together and looking forward to the turnovers. 

Beautiful Millie and Lia. Millie got her expander off she is enjoying just having teeth in her mouth right now no metal. We need to change that soon. 

I had lots of helpers and we worked fast this year. The kids made deviled eggs with Addie. 

Harold has enjoyed playing with the younger kids, tickling and teasing them. 

Mark put together his Lego set. That's the boys' gift a lego set to assemble Christmas day as hopefully, we don't do too many chores and outside stuff. With the rain this year they did have to go out for a while. 

Mark also played a bit with Merle showing him how to manage his new combine and grain cart toy tractors. 

Mark got bogs to keep him going on the cow handling. 

The youngest girls in grandma-inspired Christmas costumes. Dolls from great grandma Lasley. 

Afton with her pile. She has a birthday coming up. She may have been the child that was hard to shop for this year. I plan on doing some one one-on-one with her to show some attention to her. I knew and dreaded one child being short,  but at the unwrapping event it is what it is. 

Millie and Afton got furbies from Grandma Lasley. 

It's just a lot in our small space but Addie and Reed manage the excess well. I only lost my special card from Anna. I sincerely hope to find it later in the month when the transition from Christmas and college students settles. Anna had all the kids write a thank you Christmas morning. I was touched by their thoughtful comments. 

Several of the kids got new water boots. 

Andrea is just a sweetie. I'm so thankful for the gift of motherhood and the blessing it is to have her joy and happiness in our home. 

Making turnovers before gifts. Addie was the photographer. 

Aunt Deanne brought special friendship necklaces. I had not seen 3-way splits. The girls had so much fun with these special cousins. 

Christmas was a nice day of giving, receiving, rest, and special traditions. We are thankful for the abundance that is ours. Life is good.