Christmas Eve and Christmas with the kids

We went to a Christmas Eve service at Jess's parent's church before heading to my parents. Jess and I really enjoy this because this is about the only church service where we get to sit together. That is one thing I miss the most since Jess has been in full time ministry, is sitting together during church.

Canon was so thrilled to hold his own candle with no help. He did so great during the service. He sang the Christmas carols and listened to the message. So proud of him.

A few hours after the service we headed to my parent's house. The kids did great during the four hour drive, despite how extremely tired they were.

My mom bought the kids matching pajamas. These were the best pictures I could get on Christmas Eve. It was super late and the kids were slap happy.

Christmas Eve tradition - Reading the "Night Before Christmas" before putting the kids down for bed.

Christmas morning the kids opened their presents from Jess and me. We waited until the 26th to do our entire Christmas with my parents and sister's family due to my sister having the stomach bug on Christmas. It was good for our kids to have their presents spaced out anyway.

Canon was so excited. :)

My birthday

My birthday is the 23rd of December. Every year we are gone or in route traveling. Jess does a great job of always making me feel special. My mom also makes me a birthday meal when we are at their house for Christmas as well.

This year, we were at Jess's parents house on my birthday. Jess arranged it so that his parents watched all six of the grandchildren while us "kids" went out to eat. I chose P.F. Changs. We genuinly had such a great time talking and laughing. A memory I will cherish! Before we left to go eat, Jess and Canon went out and bought me a cake and balloons. Canon was sweet all day and sang to me numerous times. For my birthday gift I got a Silhouette Cameo (paper machine) I had been wanting for some time. Jess, his parents, my sister, and my parents all chipped in.

Canon requested that I have a snowman on my birthday cake! I loved it!

Christmas at the Rainers

We had a great time celebrating with Jess's side of the family Saturday through Tuesday before Christmas. Jess's parents live about an hour away, but since both of his brothers are in town, we always stay the night so we can have more time with everyone. We met our new nephew, Joshua for the first time. Canon and I were all about him!! The kids all did great together and all the adults always have a great time hanging out. I feel so blessed to call the Rainer's family. 

Canon holding Joshua for the first time. Canon was so sweet and gentle with him. He always wanted to know where he was and asked to hold him frequently. 

The older ones loving on their new cousin and brother. 

Hanging out in the bathroom during a tornado warning. We all had to split up in the house because there were too many of us. 

Getting ready to open presents.

The oldest three.

All of the girl cousins.

These two are a riot. They fight like old women, but they really do love each other. :)

This was about the best picture we could get of all six of them. 

Excited!!

This is Harper's new "cheese" face. She says, "Cheezzz". :)

Always so fun being together!

Stockings before Christmas

We left the Saturday before Christmas to visit with Jess's parents and my parents, so we decided to open stockings the night before we left. 

Harper is afraid of the camera flash. So after this picture, I took pictures with my phone.

We did our Christmas with the kids at my parent's house Christmas morning.

Earlier in the day we bought fresh flowers at a local flower shop and headed to Will's grave to put Christmas flowers out. We also do something in Will's honor at Christmas time. We decided to buy a gas gift card for a man in need. So we dropped that off after visiting Will's grave.