Merry Christmas and Happy Furlough

We had a really nice Christmas spending time with each other. We are very thankful for the gift of Jesus and how blessed we really are. As many of you know, the government shutdown affects our family. While we fortunately don't live paycheck to paycheck, it is disheartening the number of people that do and the lack of empathy in the country is truly sad (you just have to look at facebook feeds for government programs/websites). I don't know any fellow federal workers that don't want to work. We aren't here for a free ride or a cushy government job. We work hard. We are dedicated to the service that we provide this great country. We love our country. I wish the leaders of this great nation would remember that and keep us out of twitter feeds. I pray that we can focus on Jesus in 2019 - if we all did that, the world would be a much better place.

The weather was nice on Christmas Eve so we took a little walk in our neighborhood.

Matt and Brenner went hunting - they saw 25 deer but no shots taken.

Nola and I made sugar cookies while the boys were out.

We left a few for Brenner to decorate!

After church service, it was time for bed. Nola picked out some special cookies for Santa. She also left him a gift (a Jane Barrett book).

She also wrote this sweet note.

Now the kids woke up at 4:30 am. Yes that is correct. Nola thought that Santa forgot about her because her present from Santa was in the same bag as her present. She kept coming back to our bedroom worrying (Brenner knew exactly what "Santa" had gotten him - the big red box on the floor in the picture). We sent her back out to check for a note and the next thing we heard was a scream! She came running back in so excited that Santa had brought her a Sphero. Now 4:30 is early but there aren't few many Christmas mornings like this left so we took it in stride! I usually take a picture of them in front of the tree with their presents but they had already sorted them by the time I got out of bed!

I made them sit in front of the stockings for a picture while we waited for dad!

The Sphero!

An Amulet book series set. They both loved them and have read them like four times already).

Brenner needed a new coat. Was he excited - not so much but he was appreciative!

All Brenner really asked for was this basketball game - he was super excited. It was suppose to be assembled (but someone ran out of steam). And it was wrapped in our wrapping paper that caught Nola's attention....so we had some creative conversation that included that Brenner was on the naughty list until the last minute and Santa asked us to wrap it for him. She seemed to accept the answer!

Nola and her cornflower and ribbons tea set from Mount Vernon (replica of Martha Washington's set).

Assembly was not fun but it got done and then the fun began!

We then headed to Grandma Val's for Christmas. Our first Christmas without dad. Sad - yes - but we also shared many good memories. I did miss seeing the white t-shirt and black suspenders sitting on the loveseat!

Brenner's favorite gift was Memoir '44. Matt and Brenner had a fun time playing it once they learned the rule!

We had a little stay-cation at the Lake of the Ozarks' Lodge of the Four Seasons. Swimming pool, movie theater, arcade - fun fun!

I love Yelp. It helped us find Stewart's Restaurant and their cinnamon rolls as big as your head. Nola decided she wanted my eggs and toast instead so we traded. It was yummy but wow - sweet! Matt laughed at me and said I had my sugar and carb intake for a month. I did feel kinda yucky for 3 hours (but then I snacked on the leftovers that afternoon hahaha). 

Brenner going through Lemon Squeeze at Bridal Cave.

Our tour guide was a NYC native. I am pretty sure he never had a geology class but we enjoyed the beautiful cave. Matt and I had both been as kids so it was fun to share it with the kids.

Our group picture!

These two knuckle heads kept us on our toes. They fight like siblings but what can you expect?! After leaving the lodge, we headed to Hermitage to visit our neighbors Ken and MaryJane and Grandpa Bob's memorial bench (he passed on Christmas Eve 2011 - not sure where the time goes). I rarely make it to Hermitage so while we were eating lunch in Osage Beach, Nola asked if I was going too. We laughed and said that I didn't want to stay in Osage Beach without them!

Nola got a bunch of slime kits. Some didn't work out so well but this rainbow slime was awesome!

Aaaahhhhh! Slime!

This activity includes coloring animals and them washing them off in a little tub. Nola loved it!

More outside time with the boys - Brenner shooting Matt's crossbow.

On Sunday, Matt and Brenner headed back out in the afternoon (while I cleaned and organized the playroom - it took forever!!!!). Anyway - Matt got a nice doe - nice job, babe!

Celebrating the good news

Wow what a week celebrating the birth of Jesus! School parties, family gatherings, caroling - what fun we have been having!

Nola at her party with friends. Beware - I am going nerdy. One girl informed me that "my shirt says haters are going to hate". Hmmm. I responded "do you know that Nola's shirt has a dichotomous key?" So if you are a science geek like Matt and me you just laughed :)

Nola got to bring a friend with her - she chose Doodle!

Santa came to visit the day before the party. Nola's teacher sent me this picture. Nola told me that she asked for a reindeer but Santa said no. Hahahaha.

Later in the day, I went to Brenner's winter party and helped out the PTA run the games. I was in charge of the snowball fight. Much preferred over crafts - yikes!!!!! Glue + kids + sugar = notmycupotea.

This was Brenner 's favorite game. You start with an oreo on your forehead and work it down your face (without hands) to eat it! He did it too - all with the right motivation!

Nola helped me wrap gifts this week - thanks, girl!

So. Grown. Up. Sigh.....

Brenner ready for his first band concert. New shirt, shoes, and pants....it wasn't too bad of a struggle!

The fifth grade band assembling!

A few last minute instructions for the percussion.

They played really well for only being a "band" for about two months. I chuckled because Brenner always has his head tilted. I think I first noticed it when he ran cross country back in 1st grade!

We made eye contact with the drummer!!!!!! bahahaha - love that kid.

On Saturday we headed to Grammy Vogan's to celebrate Christmas with Matt's side of the family.

Do you think someone is ready for presents or did she sneak sugar? Trick question - the answer is yes to both!

Judi (Grammy) made us ladies matching Christmas aprons.

I guess we should get the boys in the picture too. We had a fun time!

Since the rock climbing gym is so close to Grammy's house, we headed there with Brenner's buddy to do some climbing. The kids were excited!

Nola on the bouldering wall.

Check out Brenner and Matt (belaying) in the corner. Brenner gets a bit nervous once he is off the ground but he built up his confidence throughout the day. Drsytan is like spiderman which I think made B a little jealous and nervous!

Brenner and Drystan on the self-belay routes while Nola gets some assistance from dad.

Matt got in on the action as well.

Help!!!!! Just kidding he did great for an old man :)

Sugar cookie making time!

Our kids church went caroling at a local nursing home on Sunday morning - they did great!

Nola got a ton of barbies - not sure why. But I am very pleased that Barbie is making more than ball gowns these days. Nola received a vet (complete with a dog that has puppies fall out of her tummy!), soccer player, scientists, and astronaut!!! The astronaut was her favorite she said! I actually think she liked having a similar hair cut!

I was sent this picture the other day - remember we helped with the care baskets for those in need in our community. Here is Brenner and some friends packing their baskets! Be the good!