Christmas 2014-Part 1

 We always kick off our celebrations with our own traditions here at home.  We usually go out for a nice supper, go caroling, read the Christmas story, listen to the kids play carols on the piano, open presents and then end the night with a birthday cake in honor Jesus and His birthday.

 Madelyn still loves footed pj's and these were a favorite gift of hers this  year.  Can you tell by that huge smile!!

 Birthday cake!! Yum!

 

 The annual measurements in the garage

 

Checking out those Christmas stockings the next morning

Lauren turns 13

 

Lauren is now 13 and an official teenager!  My parents came down for supper on her actual birthday because the family party we had already planned for later that month would not work for them.  We decided to go all out and headed to the Black Steer.  Lets just say it was a birthday supper she will never forget.  The service was SO slow it was comical.  We were there for over 2 hours!  By the end all we could do was laugh. We came home and opened a few gifts and had a great night all in all!

 

 Here she is with her homemade birthday cake courtesy of Grandma Darlene. 

 

 We had a jammed packed day.  After we celebrated Lauren's birthday with the grandparents and cousins we were off to the Church Christmas program.  This year's program was called "Christmas at  Toy Land"  Jillian was Barbie (notice Ken next to her) Madelyn was a ballerina and Owen was a train conductor.  It was a very cute play.  Jillian had a small solo and sang beautifully. 

40th Wedding Anniversay

 

 My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in November.  They decided to host a casual party at The Depot in Mitchell.  It was a wonderful evening.  They had a great turn out and my brother was even able to come home for the special event.  Will and I are so thankful to have parents that are both still married and truly love each other.  What an example they are to us and their grandchildren!  The picture above is the happy couple leaving the house for the party.  The "green car" as we call it has been around since before mom and dad were married.  It was actually my mom's car. Personally I despise it.  Not sure why, but I have always been embarrassed to be seen it??  They would pick me up from my friends house growing up and I would duck in the back seat the whole way home.  Anyway, they both think this car is part of the family and so we continue to store it and make jokes about who they will leave it to in the will etc. I think they know what will happen to the car if they leave it to me.   It was special that they were able to drive it to their anniversary celebration and it was a very special evening!

 This was the guest book table. Mom had tried her dress on for us earlier that day and still fit!  She looked beautiful in it.