Christmas Eve

As you reach the end of pregnancy, there are a few things that seem like they just shouldn't have to happen. 

#1: Someone parking EXTREMELY close to you...so much so, that you cannot physically even get to the driver's side door...so you "get" to climb through via the passengers side. This was following my shift at work.

and #2: Getting the stomach bug on Christmas Eve! Oh my, it hit around 6 am...and it went strong for a good 12 hours. Cruel I tell you, having to get in and out of bed quickly is a joke in and of itself, but add a terrible reason to have to run to the bathroom and it was no good! 

I missed out on the fun times at Mitch's house in the afternoon/evening. But I made it to the Christmas Eve service and then to Mom and Dad's with everyone else afterwards. The kids all got matching jammies...they looked so cute. 

We opened up our stockings, and then played some games.

 Lots and lots of laughing.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, Mitchell invited us all over to his house for supper. 

He's quite the cook you know...for real.

We had barbeque...ribs and brisket. Both really good. Baked beans, potato salad, lettuce salad, and bread.

As an added bonus, he has plenty of toys for all the kids and adults to enjoy.

Attempting a cousin picture, in their fancy coordinating clothes.

We all went to the Christmas Eve church service at Whitestone.

Prior to going to putting the boys to bed, they had a frosted sugar cookie, that they had helped make.

Christian took our picture using the "big" camera...it isn't the clearest, but that's just fine.

After the boys were in bed, I went over to Mom and Dad's to play cards for a bit with Mitch, Tim & Carissa, and Mom/Dad. Ben was gracious to let me have fun :)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we were at home in the morning.

Actually I went over to Mom and Dad's briefly, and welcomed Tim & Carissa's family to KS..they arrived there as I was leaving.

The whole family came to Mom and Dad's mid afternoon to start the Christmas fun!

We sang a few Christmas songs and then opened our stocking gifts.

Jonah and Uncle Tim (he met the Gredlers for the first time)

We ate a wide range of appetizers for supper...the amount of food is never lacking around these parts.

Then, we all went to church for the Christmas Eve service. We successfully filled an entire bench.

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Prior to bed (we all spent the night), we received a final gift (well the girls and kids did anyway)...pajamas!

After the kids were in bed, the bigger kids played games.

And somehow it led to stories that caused ALOT of laughing. Oh my goodness my cheeks and stomach ached from the laughing!

Oh sweet Jonah, the excitement of Christmas was just too much for him..he welcomed in Christmas all bright-eyed, with his arms and legs a-movin'.

"Our Christmas"

We celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve...rather spontaneously. 

We had worked longer than anticipated on the kitchen project (hmm..that happens). But following supper and in between leaving for the Christmas Eve service at church...

we had CHRISTMAS!

Christian was so excited and genuinely thrilled with each gift. 

The dollar bin calendar he received from Noah was first...oh boy! 

"YES!!!! NOAH!! This is what I've always wanted. I just LOVE it! Thank you Noah. Thank you!!!!"

Followed by a hug that knocked him over!

Noah didn't really care one way or another. He was fine with tearing a few pieces..but nothing crazy.

 Ben and his new paint brush. 

He is quite particular about his paint brushes :)

 Noah did get excited about his light up, singing book. He LOVES lights...and music...so win win!

And lastly, Christian opened his remote control monster truck (which he helped me pick out!) 

Oh he was so happy.

We finished up our Christmas..and went to church...where we saw Carissa & Tim and family!! They got in late afternoon. So we went over to Mom and Dad's for a bit after church then came home so we could be well rested for Christmas!

In the morning, we opened up a few presents that Great Grandpa and Grandma Hershberger sent home with us from church. *We were supposed to have the Hershberger Christmas on the 21st...but due to snow and sickness, it was rescheduled for the 28th..which we will be celebrating in Topeka during that time. 

Christian was so impressed with his light up penguin pin! 

And since we didn't have a family picture of us at our own Christmas...

this was taken on Christmas Day. Difficult to get everyone looking nice during the same picture...I'm sure no one else has that problem :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS :)