Since MLK Day was a no-school day for Becky and holiday for Al and I (first time EVER for him!), we decided to go bowling with Becky, along with half the city of Des Moines.  Thankfully we got there early enough that we got a lane and were able to bowl a couple games.

Here is Colby with his hot chocolate mustache at Talon's birthday party.  It was great.  He sported it the whole time and loved the attention he kept getting with it on his face!

Colby, Becky, and Tatum after the hay rack ride.

Having a picnic.

Becky got to sing a solo at church today.  She did great!  She didn't need to music; she had the song memorized.  Guess she felt better making sure she got it right.  Al and I were so proud though.  She sang out so loud and did a great job.

Christmas Eve photo shoot

As I'm sitting here realizing I never got Christmas pictures posted, I found these of Christmas Eve that made me smile.  As is tradition, the kids got to open one package Christmas Eve.  Becky has figured out it's just pajamas, and she's not nearly as excited as she used to be.  Colby, however, couldn't wait for me to snap the picture of them before he started to open his. I think I even took it away from him so I could take the before picture.

And here they are in their pajamas, and I'm trying to get to perfect picture of my perfect children on a perfect evening.  Following is the craziness that ensued....

I even got Al involved.  All I really wanted was a smile from both of them at the same time for the scrapbooks that may or may not some day get done. I'm sure you understand what a daunting task that can be at times!  We settled on the picture below, got a plate of cookies ready for Santa, made a map to the tree so Santa could find it after he came down the chimney, and headed up to read bedtime stories in anticipation of what fun the next day may bring.

And Christmas morning was magical, as it always is.  Here are just a couple pictures to share...the rest are on Shutterfly if you want to look at all of them.  

We had a wonderful Christmas celebrating with our families.  Those pictures are on Shutterfly too.  We are so blessed to have gotten to spend time with family over the holiday season, and we are glad that everyone is close enough to spend time with.