New Year's Eve

 We spent New Year's Eve at Phil's sister's house. We played games and had a good time with family. 

We played this game with friends in our previous country. 

Trip to Ohio

 We left Phil's parents, went home and packed up the car, and headed to Ohio to visit Rachel's family. We always stay with good friends when we are there. There was a lot of snow from the day before and the kids were thrilled to be able to see so much snow. They played and played outside. We had a meal with Rachel's family and exchanged Christmas presents. 

Christmas Day

 We were able to spend Christmas morning at our own house for the first time in years! It was so nice to wake up and do our advent story, open presents, and enjoy playing with our new toys. 

We then went to Phil's parents' house for the rest of the day. The whole family was here minus one sister and her family who live in Nashville. We spent the day eating, playing games, doing puzzles, watching movies, and just hanging out. We did have a dessert catastrophe. One of the nephews hit a light in the kitchen with his hand and shattered glass all over the counter of desserts. They all had to be thrown away. It was not very funny at the time, but we will all laugh about it for years. 

Christmas Eve with Phil's Family

 Phil's family always opens presents on Christmas Eve. We attended the Christmas Eve service at church, had dinner at his parents' house, and then opened presents. It was sweet to be with family this year for the holidays. 

Christmas Cookies

 These cookies are a labor of love. The recipe is from a dear friend and the cookies are delicious, but so much work! We only make them once or twice a year. 

Kate is so creative!