Christmas Morning

New Year's Eve

Before the New Year's Eve celebration at Papa and Mommom's house, we went to the park with our skates, scooters, and RC cars. Mercedes really wanted to see how deep the puddle was. I kept telling her not to test it out in her skates.

We watched Papa Mac set off fireworks that night. Caleb wasn't phased by the noise and was pretty happy even though it was late. This is a picture showing how he was more afraid of the flash on the camera than the noise of the fireworks.

Joshua enjoyed roasting hot dogs and playing with his cousins.

Jon Mark enjoyed holding Caleb and talking with his cousin Alex, who was visiting.

The kids were getting tired at this point.

Hannah was tired, but in good spirits. I have no clue where Mercedes and Luke were while I was taking pictures.

New Clothes

Macy's was having a sale, so I bought some more sophisticated clothing. Here I am modeling them to show Lindsay that they are cuter on than they are on the hanger. She wasn't convinced when they were on the hanger. Are you convinced now? :) Don't tell me. I like them, that's all that matters ;)

Bath time Shananigans

These two love bath time. They adore it! They have so much fun in the tub.

Hannah especially loves bubble baths. Sometimes, if she is crabby, I just put her in the tub and her mood changes so quickly. She will play in the tub for an hour. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent with the McAvoy's. I recorded our Haws party earlier.

Selfies with this kid are fun!

We had a great evening opening presents with the McAvoy side. My parents celebrated Christmas with each family individually in our homes this year. It was nice visiting with everyone.

The Christmas Break went by way too fast. I was sad to see it go. I loved having the kids home with me and being able to have lazy mornings. I loved not being in a rush to find shoes or a belt. I spent my mornings snoozing with Jon Mark and nursing Caleb, then slowly making my way downstairs to make breakfast for the early risers. We would eat together then play together. It was really nice. It also got quite cold, for Arizona anyway. Mercedes missed doing a nativity scene. She asked about it a couple of times. I guess maybe we should have done that. It's kind of a Haws tradition. We did watch a Luke 2 video and we did do a Christmas devotional several times, but we didn't dress up. Next year... The kids loved their presents. Joshua was most excited about spy gear, rc car, SWAT costume, and a Lego set. Mercedes loved getting jewelry making stuff, a necklace, and a karaoke machine (the aunts love it too). Luke is happy that he got roller skates so he can skate with his brother and sister. He also got dinosaurs to play with. Hannah got a ball pit (ugg!) and a Frozen sing along purse. Caleb got stuffed animals, books, and clothes. I get to paint the house! I also got art supplies, a coat, and cash. Jon Mark got cash, a boomerang, and a torpedo throwing knife. We have been richly blessed. I am so grateful. I love my Savior. I have so much gratitude for Him.  

This is Jazmine and Bethany

Joshua, Mercedes, and Luke

Mommom, Papa, and Hannah

Cookie Making With the Larsen's and Jessica

We started off Christmas Break with cookie making. Michelle had made dough and frosting and we pretty much let the kids have at it. Michelle's kids all got sick later, though not from the sugar but from a flu bug. I was worried that my kids would all get sick as well because they were all rolling out the dough together. But, we avoided the illness.

Caleb wore the elf outfit that Lindsay handed down to him. I probably took too many pictures, but he was so cute and he kept the hat on the whole time.

Hannah and Evelyn are such good friends. They are partners in crime. In this case they are partners in eating cookie dough. I think Hannah was in shock that I wasn't stopping her.

Hannah is so funny. Lately, she has been into telling me, "don't even think about it, Mom!" whenever I go to change her diaper or brush her teeth. It's cheeky, probably disrespectful, but really funny as well. I also got her on video screaming the phrase, "I'm HAPPY!!!" in the angriest tone known to man. She says that whenever she is tired but doesn't want to be put down to bed.

Mercedes and Luke had a great time. Joshua was there as well. But, he had run away at this point, so I didn't get a picture.

I even let Caleb have some dough. He has another tooth. It's kind of funny because it is his side tooth on the top, not one of the front ones. He also has been saying Mommmm and Dadada a lot recently.