Wow! Santa Left a Mess Underneath our Tree!

We had a wonderful Christmas and LOVED having family come to visit. This was the first year that we haven't traveled for the Christmas holiday. And although it was different, it was wonderful. We were lucky enough that Stephen's parents and his little brother would drive all the way to come spend a  week with us. They came down before Christmas and we did all of our playing and celebrations with them. Then they headed back on Christmas day so they could get back to Michigan in time for other family who was coming into town for the week after Christmas.

We had to take a few days out to go and visit Aunt PJ and Uncle Chuck. We love that they live only a few hours away in North Carolina. We truly got the see the "smokey mountains" as we drove up to visit with them. So much fog and still so green this time of year. It was beautiful. We attempted to take a few hikes while we were there.

Uncle Chuck & Olivia

 This sweet Aunt PJ knitted these girls these darling sweaters. I haven't really dared let them wear them because 1. they are white 2. I didn't know how well they'd hold up with washing. But I've loved them and had to get a picture of the girls wearing them with Aunt PJ.

 John is the favorite uncle by far and these girls knew it, They haven't seen him since

 July, but they love uncle John!

Out for hikes with Ranger the Dog

 Throwing rocks into the river

 These girls are getting heavy, but this is how we hike! 

Andrew sure loves his Grandma! 

Of course we had to get a babysitter while they were here and go and see the new Star Wars movie! We loved it!! Did not disappoint! 

Heading out to see some Christmas lights and Grandpa knew just how to wrangle both girls. No stopping him!

This gingerbread house has been attempted to be made about three different times. I got it when we lived in Chicago and it never happened. So we packed it up with our Christmas stuff and each year since I've been meaning to make it. A few years ago I even opened it up, cut open the frosting and had it all ready and for some reason, it still didn't happen. This year I was determined that darn gingerbread house was going to get built and decorated. I was not going to pack it back up with all our Christmas stuff again!

So it did!

The finished product thanks to Grandma & Uncle John. Andrew gave up after a few short minutes and was way more interested in the candy.

Trying to eat the rock hard candy! Thankfully not teeth were broken!

We were hoping we'd have a day or two to put the few extra hands to work in the backyard. I think it rained almost every single day they were here. So that didn't really happen. But we did put those extra hands to work Christmas Eve. 

Santa's little helpers. Let's just say it took almost 3 hours

Christmas morning was so much fun!  

The first words out of Andrew's mouth after he came down the stairs was "Wow! Santa left a mess under our tree!"

We spent the entire day in our pajamas. The kids played endlessly with their new toys. We ate yummy leftovers. Relaxed and even took a little nap! Pure Bliss!

This kid spent almost 6 hours straight playing on his new wiggle-rider car. He only got off to eat and to go to the bathroom.

Giving good-bye hugs to Grandma! It was so sad to see them go! We loved having them with us for the Holiday! 

Merry Christmas 2016