Merry Christmas 2017!

It is truly the most wonderful time of the year when you can spend time with family and friends over the holidays!  We've had so much fun celebrating Jesus' birthday and always try to remind our boys that while we are exchanging gifts with each other, we should always remember the greatest gift we were given happened many years ago when Jesus was born in that precious manger bed.  Here are some pictures from our adventures over the past week.  

Matching before church last Sunday....

 Matching my co-workers last week....

Zander got to spend time with his buddy, Henry, as the Gregorys stopped through while they were in NC!  It was so great catching up over dinner!

 Making cookies at Grammy's.....

 Spending time with Zack's family and getting extra cuddles from my nephew, Henry.....

 The best Dirty Santa gift..... Uncle Henry's light up Christmas sweater!....

 The two Henrys chatting....

 Henry trying rice cereal for the first time.....

 Cousins...

 Grannie and her boys.....

Opening presents with Granny V, Uncle Grant and Sib.... we sure miss PawPaw and are praying the doctors can figure out what is going on!  PawPaw ate his first meal in over a week and a half and was able to move into a seated position today which is a Christmas present indeed! We didn't take the boys to the hospital to visit PawPaw but we are looking forward to seeing him as soon as he comes home!

 Headed to Grammy and Grandpa's to celebrate with my side of the family...

 Grammy and her grandkids......

 Getting cuddles with Emmy.....

Setting out cookies and milk for Santa (check out the boys' new artwork... its supposed to be Rudolph.... their poor mom is not artistic at all!)  Maddox's hand is on the top and Zander's is on the bottom.....

 Santa came......

Zander said we had to leave reindeer food too..... Mommy didn't have any carrots so we settled for Cheerios!  This is after the reindeer came for a snack!

 Christmas morning.....practicing "archery" with Zander's present from Santa.....

 Burke loves his present from Santa too.....

 Discovering the reindeer food has been eaten.....

Eating Christmas breakfast together.... thanks to Grammy and Daddy's cooking!  Grammy made her sausage egg casserole and Zack made pancakes, sausage and bacon!

 Our multiple attempts at a family picture......

 The original Christmas crew (30 + years and counting)!

Headed to see Great Grandpa and Great Grandma.... Grandpa is being moved on Wednesday to a more assisted living environment..... please pray for a smooth transition for grandpa and grandma.  Also, pray for my dad who will have knee replacement surgery tomorrow!

Spending time with Grammy and Grandpa for Christmas dinner... looking at the Christmas lights from under the tree and the boys working at their "desks"....

As you can see, we had the best Christmas!  This will be my final post for 2017.... I pray that you have a Happy New Year and welcome 2018 with new adventures and time spent with those you love!  I will be attempting to potty train Maddox starting tomorrow....wish us luck!  Stay tuned on the progress of this endeavor as we enter into the new year!

Remember Jesus is the reason for this incredible season! :)

Luke 2:10-12New International Version (NIV)

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”