::christmas 2018::

I've been interested in learning to bake this last year, which has lead to some interesting messes.  

I made a yule log for our family Christmas.  I rolled it the long way and by the time I realized I couldn't undo it.  He was more of a twig than a log, but he was still super fun.  The hedgehog cookies where a blast and tasted amazing.  

Emma's stocking

Lily's stocking 

Quinn's

Mine

Josh's

Max

This kids each get an ornament in their stockings every year.  Emma got a purple hippo this year to represent her favorite stuffed animal from childhood, Hippy.  

We open stockings and then eat breakfast before we do the rest of our gifts.  

That also gives time for Grammy and Papaw to come join us for the gifts.  

Poppy was not pleased with being put in a stocking.  

We was serious about this Nerf gun.  

My favorite gift!  My very own rain barrel.  

I found this vintage makeup case.  It was even in its original box.  It doesn't even look like it was ever used.  It had the original owners name and address printed in perfect cursive.  

Quinn makes a great Chewbacca

Emma got a kitchenaid that I hope lasts her a lifetime.  I was her age when I got mine.  

Lily and Poppy had a little snooze.  

I made a nutella tree to take to dinner.  Google it, super easy and fun.  

Josh is in love with her new flannel from Deluth Trading Company.  

The Rakes (Rachel and Jake) have the best party room in their new house.  It was the perfect place for family Christmas.  

The bookends.  

Quinny got a fish tank that he is in love with.  

Josh redid axes for his brothers and had Lincoln quotes put on them.  

I had a great excuse to use my new vintage punch bowl.  

Ryan supported pinkies out.  

As did us girls.  

Top row: Jake and Rachel.  Josh and I.  Ryan and Jamie (Josh's brothers)

Second row:  Lily and Emma.  Grammy and Papaw.  Max, Caleb (Ryan and Jamie's son) and Quinn.  

The Schaefer brothers with their old sweaters that Sheila made into pillows.  I don't think that could be any cuter.  

::day after thanksgiving is CHRISTMAS TIME::

We waited as long as possible, but TG is over so lets get this part started!

It's Christmas time!

In Central Indiana this time of year the weather could be anything, but we lucked out with a decent sunny day.  

I picked out this little beutiy.  No - this is not a pano shot, he is really that wide.  I love him.  

Of course we had to do a jumping picture.  The girls have it mastered.  

Oh my Joshy.  

We ignored the sign saying not to let kids carry the saws.  What could possibly go wrong?

I was a bit excited.  

Max got sick of pulling the sled pretty quick.

Lily picked this little guy!  He had some issues.  

Then Max got really comfy in the sled.  

Quinn demanded that he be the one to cur down the tree.

He was seriously focused.  

It took us about 500 trees before we found the right one.  It had a nest in it that we moved to an neighboring tree.  

Us girls were supporting headbands.  

My delish Max.  

The girls tired to get the boys to pull them.  

But the girls could move those boys.  

Look at the crew of lunatics. 

Then the little stud man had to pull the tree out of the field.

Daddy did have to help him finishing it off.  

Then he had to take a nap.  

Oh was it fun to watch the whimpy weak dads trying to carry their trees out.  Josh walked around like it was nothing.  

Of course the goof troop had to try to help.  

Emma gave some good hugs.  

Fit just perfect!  And this was after we cut an entire foot off it.  

The kids and I got ALL the decorations out.  

I just love this airy bright kitchen.  

We had some good tunes.

I got some vintage decor from my mother last year.  

Gigantic stocking handmade by Josh's mother.  

We had to tie the star on the tree.  

The trees are from flea markets, but the center piece is another awesome item from my mother.