Post Holiday Hangover

She went from dressing up with her Dad's underwear around her neck and every single one of her Mom's bangle bracelets on her arm......to barely being able to finish her supper.  And the hat?  Well, she loves her stocking hat. What can I say....

And on the 27th day, we rested............

Levings Family Christmas

The magical and wondrous Christmas season has drawn to a close. We thankfully got to see all of our family as originally scheduled. The weather was beginning to wreck a little havoc on initial plans, but God saw to it that we all spent time together as scheduled. We say this often, but truly mean it.......we are blessed with wonderful family and friends. And I love the holidays because we get to hear from and see those special people, we get to re-discover the true magic of Christmas through our children's eyes and we hopefully get to slow down a bit and reflect on the true reason for the season (that last one is the hardest - and it should be the easiest!).

So we ended our Christmas journey in Garber, Oklahoma at my parents house . We drove down Saturday morning, spent the day with family and came home that evening. Trying to keep the attention of 12 grandkids is no small feat, but it sure is fun. I could post 100 pictures of these sweet kiddos' that continue to get taller and cuter each time we see them, but here are a few snapshots of our organized chaos. What wonderful memories.....I hope these kids always love spending time with each other and with Me Ma and Pa Pa. I know I will always love it.

Christmas Day at home

The kids patiently waited for Santa (and their parents to wake up!) and we discovered in our living room a multi-game unit for Beau, a pink rocking horse for Brenley May, and a little vanity for Bren.  Whoo Hoo!  It was a great way to start the day!

The kids were super excited to play with their Santa toys, although Brenley would have NOTHING to do with the pink horse until mid morning, then she loved it.  But she went right up to her vanity and started getting ready for the day!

We opened the rest of our toys and then Mom made french toast! Then we played, played, and played. Glorious day. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Grant Family Christmas 2009

Our first visit was Christmas Eve and we drove to McPherson around 12:30 that day and spent the afternoon with the Grant family, headed to Christmas Eve service at Trinity Lutheran around 5:00, and then back to their house for presents and pie! Mmmm!!

Brenley's Christmas Program at NRA

Our Brenley May has been practicing for a while only to come out and rock her performance!
She beat on tubs of butter and cool whip to Little Drummer Boy. She shook bells to Jingle Bells. And she waved ans swayed to We Wish You a Merry Christmas!  She did so well and we were so proud!

She had a great little Christmas party and program at Northridge Academy. She got lots of treats and they had a gift exchange where she opened a froggy backpack, which she loves. It was a great little morning and we had one tired girl that night!

Basketball at the Y

Beau finished his "Fall" session of YMCA basketball. Always fun to get a medal. We are proud of him for improving his skills, listening to coach and being a good sportsman.

Checking out the scoreboard. He was always concerned with who was winning and losing. Quite the competitor!

He got his defensive skills from his Mom!  ha ha

Shooting a free throw for the first time. He didn't make his shots (he was fouled twice in the game, so he got to go to the line twice for four shots), but he did really good! And got his rebound both times and put it right back up!  Atta boy!

Moments of Brenchilada

I don't know what to say. She is just funny. Had to capture these. From applying make-up to wearing Mom's hats...........she is a little chameleon.

This is her Gymboree Ad! Ugh. So cute!