Took the kids to the zoo around Christmas time to see the animals. This winter was unusually warm so we took advantage and did some activities we normally wouldn't do in the dead of winter. It was so warm that we didn't even need coats. The best part was that the animals were a lot more lively because it wasn't hot like it is when we usually go during the summer. The kids were pain in the butt as usually when I was trying to get a picture of them all.
This was the best family picture I could get of all of them. After taking 15 pictures this was the best one.
They were exceptionally excited about this picture as you can see on their faces. Glad Kellan and Lucas at least like to pose for me still...those butts!
He was so excited about this weird hat and then I never saw him wear it even once. Oh well.
Jessa acting extra surprised at the clothes that she picked out. That girl!!
Lucas loves him some Christmas. He was basking in the light of the Christmas tree on the new coaches. He gets so excited for Christmas!
We bought a bunch of games for the downstairs room for the kids to play with their friends and have parties over here. After balls and body parts started going through walls we decided it was time to fill up the basement so that they wouldn't try to play football down there anymore.
This one really surprised me. Kellan wanted to get Jayla a gift specifically because Jayla is always good at gift giving. Its one of her love languages. These two had a good moment and bonded over Kellan's gift to Jayla. The gift kept getting bigger and bigger. I'm glad he started just a few weeks before Christmas so the present didn't have multiple weeks to keep growing!
He was so excited about his pistachios. He asked specifically for those "Green Nuts." He was so excited to find them in his stocking! I think we have maybe one more good of Santa Claus.
Mikey when he was first checking out the basement. He got way exited about it all and was pumped that we even had an arcade game now.
Lucas just barely spotting the new TV on the wall.
Jessa trying to play pool while still hobbling around on one crutch by now. She's making progress.
They had the crippled go first so she wouldn't be left behind. This was their faces when they first spotted the downstairs area. We were able to keep this a secret from them making the boys sleep upstairs for a few days. It took 2 whole days to put it all together.
Crepes are a family tradition. The kids look forward to it every year. We usually only have crepes on special occasions, so Christmas crepes always feel special.
We usually make extra bacon as you can see by Lucas's plate, he takes full advantage.
Mikey's bed head never disappoints. Look at all that hair!
Wish I could say the same about Kellan, but he puts a lot of effort into making his hair this fluffy on purpose.
Christmas morning before we brought the kids down to see it all and open gifts.
While I was making Christmas Eve dinner Jayla took all the kids to do come acts of kindness. They wrote notes and bought flowers and distributed it among the cars at the local hospital. They can across a woman breast feeding in her car and ran away like crazy!LOL
Our good friend's the Copas's brough us some amazing Christmas cookies! Loved it! Loved them.
Lucas requested a hot chocolate bar and a Christmas movie over Christmas break. I couldn't disappoint him!
Our other tradition is going to the Forgotten Carols. It really helps us get into the spirit of Christmas and to think about Jesus during the season. This is also a favorite tradition that our kids look forward too each year. At least this time Lucas wasn't throwing up so I got to stay for the whole thing! Jayla is all scared that this will be her last time as she goes off to college! Hopefully its not the last time!
