Kids slept until 8! 

  
This is the face that says, “I am on to you.” He opened a XBox controller and we told him we got it so he could take it to friends’ houses to play. Then he opens this, a Minecraft game, and we use the same explanation. He than proceeds to search because we have presents to take with us to Iowa and he finds one that doesn’t have a name on it. Well, he figured it out quickly. This is technically a family gift but Cooper loves his Minecraft and we are excited to be able to play along with him.  When Cooper gets excited about something he can’t stop talking, he has been talking all morning. 

  
Yes, John and I decided it was time to purchase an American Girl doll. Bella has taken care of Ginger, her practice doll from Gramy and Gramps. Note- there isn’t a doll that looks exactly like her with Hazel eyes. So now she has Ginger with green eyes and Bells with blue.

Cooper is a great gift giver. He picked out a shirt making kit for American Girl dolls- he had NO idea she was getting one. He also got her a white tshirt so she could match her dolls. This tradition started last year. John and I take the kids out to buy something for each other and something for us to help them understand giving and how to pick out gifts. I am amazed at how excited they are to give. Cooper gave Bella his  present to her right away and Bella did the same. 

 Can you tell what everyone has been up to all day? Bella has been exploring every gift. The boys are glued to the TV. Me? I am just enjoying putting things away, watching the joy and playing with Cooper’s toy.

Christmas Eve 2016 in MI this year for the four of us. We baked cookies, played games and in the snow, ate a Christmas meal, went to Christmas Eve Mass, sang Christmas songs and got ready for Santa. 

   
    
    
    
We received Speak Up in the mail from a secret Santa today- the game is hilarious!   
  One present to open on Christmas Eve- games to play together!  
  I have such fond memories playing Guess Who after school at Latchkey. The kids love it too!!  
  Bella was very good at Disney Apples to Apples and she was able to read a majority of the directions!   
    
    
  Cooper felt good in his festive outfit- I love when he feels confident and proud!
  Bella was upset she didn’t get to get her picture taken first… She recovered quickly 

 
Bella participates by singing at church, she even adds dance moves.  
  They are sad to say goodbye to our Elf, Jack. He spent his last day with is playing Texas Hold’em with friends.
Thanks for the Christmas Jams, Gramy!  
  Cooper is a pro at Guess Who, we feel he has the ability to read minds. There could be 5 up and he will randomly guess correctly!  

  Merry Christmas Eve!! 

 Bella loves drawing and writing notes. Her favorite thing to write is “I Love You.” Unfortunately, I can’t keep them all but I want to place it here so I never forget.   

   
   
Bella’s Girl Scout Troop delivered candy canes to our local Veteran Center. She was very shy but got the hang of greeting veterans as they entered the building.   
So much about this picture makes me smile; her smile, quietly playing in her room, her beautiful long hair, etc.

 
So proud of her gift from her Girl Scout leaders; Jenni, Tricia and Mommy.