Christmas......

When I look back at these photos, taken during the last couple weeks, it's no 

wonder I am feeling completely exhausted.....

We seemed to squeeze gobs and gobs of fun into our holiday!

And in case you are interested, I'll provide some of the details:

*the season started on 12/15 when we enjoyed the girls' school's Christmas

concert - LOVED that they could call it that...

* we entertained my family in our home for Christmas

*held our annual family Christmas cookie frosting contest on Christmas

Eve morning - this year we posted pics on Facebook

and let our friends and family decide the winner!

* we all got 'just what we wanted' for Christmas, which

included lots of electronic gadgets.....and Frye boots for momma!

* we ate too much

*we built Lego things

*we played Pictionary and Headbanz

* we celebrated a Packer win on Christmas day!

* we all danced to Wii's 'Just Dance' in an attempt to work off 

the calories {didn't work so much for me}

* saw some good movies - We Bought a Zoo and the Descendants {loved!}

* one of us got her ears pierced! {finally, she says!}

* we packed up and headed to snow {on the mountains, which is just where I like it!}

* we went sledding and caught some air

* some of us went skiing {obviously not the photographer in the family}

*we shopped

*we ate some more - ugh!

* we rang in the new year with my parents

*and celebrated a big birthday for my dad!

Nope, we are not the family that does the "gift they need, gift they want, something to read......

but the kiddos got things they loved and wanted and some things they needed {none

of which are pictured here}.....

However, I was super proud of my 13 year old who had raised money at her school {by planning

and executing a cupcake sale all by herself} for 

a pet food bank in Portland after hearing a flood in their building ruined

much of their food.  On Christmas morning we all went to the pet food

bank to present her donation and witness their good work.  When

we pulled up, on Christmas morning, an hour before the pet food bank

was to open, there was already a line - of people waiting to get food

for their pets........  It was eye opening, for me, but mostly

for my big girl who learned that seemingly small gestures can provide

so much to great needs.  Her love for animals lead her to service and I think she 

is hooked!  Let's hear it for 13 year olds!  They ROCK {even if you give

them iPhones and Beats}!

So.....how were your holidays?????