Nine Month Babes

After going through some older pictures, I realized that I have the same 9 month photo of each of my babies. What cutie pies.

Time can officially stop now. I want them to stay pint-size. OK? Thanks!

McKenzie Style Christmas

After a fabulous week in Orleans, we drove home to find that Santa had left more presents at our house. It was great to be home and celebrate Christmas as just the four of us...for a few hours anyway. Next up, Christmas and Grandma and Grandpa McKenzie's. Thankfully they live much closer. We enjoyed an afternoon and evening of fabulous food, drinks, music, gifts and time together. We are truly spoiled rotten by these two.

If this picture doesn't sum up the fabulous day, I don't know what would.

A Holiday Week in Orleans

This year we spent four nights at my mom and dad's house to celebrate Christmas and for me it was pure joy. Not so sure Nathan would use those exact adjectives to describe the week at his in-laws', but I do think he enjoyed the time away as well. It was so nice to have plenty of time to settle in, relax and not rush through activities.

Not to get to far ahead of myself, we first had to pack all of our stuff for five days and this ridiculously large pile of presents into the car. I joked that the red sleigh/GMC was packed to the brim with thrills and spills. Every year, as I am wrapping 50+ packages, I tell myself that I over did it and I'm not going to do that again next year but somehow it always happens.

When we finally arrived, papa could not wait to get his hands on baby Mason.

And the big kids are so excited to play play play and play some more.  They exhaust me.

We did get them to sit long enough to play a game of Left - Right - Center.

Grandma also thought it would be a good idea to have them do her 7 minute workout to burn some energy. Now that was entertaining.

Everyone wanted to help with the baby and Anna was by far the best bottle feeder.

These adorable, little elves were very busy working in Santa's shop.

I also had time to visit my dear friend, Lindsay, and her family in their new home in Loomis, NE.  It was so great to see her and their house is beautiful.  Someday, I hope we can find more time to be together.

Christmas Eve we had a mini photo shoot before dinner and I am so glad we took the time. I will cherish these pictures forever.  

The original four... 

and then somehow this happened...

We enjoyed a yummy soup supper and then everyone attended the small, candle-light service at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans before opening presents. It. Was. Perfect.

Everyone had a sleepover at Grandma and Papa's waiting to see if Santa would make a visit.  Low and behold he did! The kids were so excited and were stunned to see that Santa even left footprints in the fireplace. Oh my!

More family joined us to make 20 for Christmas Day lunch. The girls went crazy over Aunt Sonja's popcorn balls and the moment took me right back to Great Grandma Gardie's house with all the crazy Ehrke cousins. Really though, how did we all fit?

Christmas is the greatest story ever told.