Winter Break Fun with Family

 Following Christmas we headed back to Nebraska for fun with extended family.  Our first stop was Omaha to spend time with the cousins.  We threw it back heading to a roller rink where the adults not-ironically did better than the kids.

 We celebrated two birthdays... John & Aggie.

 Diane orchestrated a stretch limousine ride to view the Christmas lights.  Once the temperature issues were sorted out inside the limo, everyone relished the festivities especially when houses' lights were set to music accessible via the radio. 

 Free play can be equally exciting.  Avery and I daubed this ping pong paint ball.

 After a few nights in Omaha, we travelled south to the farm to spend the rest of our time with Oma and Opa.  We had lunch following church with grandma and played a few rounds of Pitch.

 New Year's Eve was spent at Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City as we flew back home the following day.  Despite wanting to stay up to ring in the new year, everyone was in bed by 10pm.  Maybe next year.

It's Finally Christmas Present Time!

 When you are a child, waiting to open Christmas presents can be challenging.  But the day finally came.  The smiles say it all.

Santa Came!

 Despite the kids spending Christmas Eve at their father's, Santa was able to find them the following night.  Percy communicated this at his last visit to our house this year.  Izzy was relieved to read his message and left her own for Santa with his cookies.

 Everyone received their requests as well as a few surprises.  Micah was the most excited to receive Treasure X.  He promptly dug out each "brick" to find three treasure hunters and one real gold pyramid. 

Christmas Fun

 We spent the day before Christmas baking cookies to hand out to friends at work.  Each of the kids picked out a recipe of their liking.  It was ironic how much the recipes fit their personalities... Micah - red velvet, Izzy - lemon crinkles and Victoria - chocolate peppermint.  Thank you to my buddying chef (Izzy) who was ready to help with any of these cookies.  We then were "elves" delivering the cookies to friends and co-workers that day.

The last day of school was designated Peirce Pride with a holiday twist!  

Celebrating the reason for the season - Christmas Eve service.

 Following Christmas Eve service, we enjoyed wonderful seafood with Jackie and Pricilla followed by an evening at Kerry and Eric's home.

 John was again his creative self and constructed a fun Christmas dinner.