Date Night!!!

 We left the kiddos with pizza and headed out to Bonefish Grill...a new experience for Ted and I and Grampy and Grammy!

 It was soooo yummy!  Brad and Mari suggested a few of their favorites...and we all enjoyed our choices!  The Bang Bang shrimp..."Oh, we will come back here!"

 We were right around the corner from Charming Charlie...and the guys willingly let us take Mom to experience the place.  "Did you hear angels singing?"  "Hey, Ted, test your manhood...can you sit on a pink couch?"  "Kari, what do you call this?"  It is a type of a clutch purse.  "I think I can make one of these out of cardboard and that fancy duct tape...for cheaper!  This is a scam...you see something for $15...but then you see the whole outfit...and you want it...and it is $89!"

 The running commentary by the men in our life had us laughing right out the doors...after we each bought something!

 Coffee...because you know we can't go home yet!  The kiddos will not be happy to see us yet!

 Hey...Mari...

 Too funny!

 Enjoying the company of our family!  Tomorrow...guys day out and girls day in...while we wait for Sean, Becky, and kiddos to come over for the weekend!

Thankful for time together!  Laughing is good! 

Merry Christmas!

 Early morning fire with coffee and carols...waiting for the kiddos to wake up!

 Time together in God's Word...

 sharing a special gift with our family...

 Opening gifts...

 Teddy's first "real" gun

 Ted's "collage picture frame"

 Time to enjoy family...

 The girls planned a special musical number...Angels We Have Heard On High...it was beautiful!

 Magic tricks with Uncle Ted.

 Brain teaser puzzles...

 Playing with Lollie...

 Movies...and coloring!

 Coffee under the Christmas tree lights...

Then...time to get ready for a fondue supper...with Grampy's mashed potatoes!

 "Now...let's review...do not put the fork that you cook your meat with in your mouth!"  "There is a pot of boiling oil...sit still, no flailing body parts, and all those manners we talk about...use them!  I'm serious!"

 A wonderful...take your time...meal!

 "This is why...at our house...the bottles are usually on the table!"  Memories from our childhood...putting the condiments back in the jars from the little pretty bowls.

 Mmmm...rice cream with Mom's homemade raspberry jam or jelly (depending on your seed preference) on top.

 Conversations around the table...

 accompanied by Mari's antics...

 and Brad's comments...

 and Ted's comments...make us laugh!

 "Is this a new tradition?  Gathering around to watch an episode of Duck Dynasty?"

 Late nights...talking with Dad and Mom.  So thankful for their wisdom, insight, and encouragement!

Christmas Eve eve..then day...and eve

 It is so nice to be together at home!  We finished some last minute shopping and then ended the night with a fire and a yummy apple pie.  My friend and co-worker can make a yummy pie!!!

 Ted and I had a date to finish our shopping after a disheartening excursion on Monday.  We had another "not so fun parenting session" again.  It happens...even during the festive Christmas season!  "I feel horrible when we have to deal with this...knowing it is Christmas."  Honey, we have to keep the pressure on!  We got their attention.  It isn't fun!  But I know the girls heard you and are thinking.  "Well, I feel like I killed Santa and then backed over him four times!"  Uh, Santa hasn't come yet. 

 Honestly, some times the only way to deal with the disappointments surrounding parenting/teaching sessions...is for Dad and Mom to go on a date to talk things out and then find the humor that is buried in those times.  "If you're not laughing...you are crying!"  Our children are learning...but more importantly...we are learning too!

 We had everything ready for Grampy and Grammy's arrival...because our children were helpful.  We had time to sit together and share a present to pass the time.  They were a little excited!

 So exciting to have the sleigh arrive from the north!  Grampy and Grammy arrived about 4pm.

 A special delivery for Ted's birthday...our first Chia pet ever!

 All ready to head to church...to meet up with the other grandchildren and participate in the Christmas Eve service.

 Such fun to be together!

 Blessed with so much this year!