Happy New Year!

This year we got to have a great date night out with friends thanks to G&G Leman for watching the kiddos for us! Nothing better than ringing in the New Year with my hubby whom I love...

and my best friend Jodi and her husband Drew too :)

We tried a new resturant, 309 in Peoria. It was a great atmosphere and good food. I was really nervous about taking a picture in such an upscale place, but when the lady sitting in a table next to us got out her camera to take a picture, I figured - Hey! I am not the only one who treasures every moment! Of course, I got out my camera next and we exchanged taking pictures of each other.
Thanks for hanging out with an ole' married couple like us Drew and Jod! We love you guys and can't wait to meet your new little one coming in June! If anyone sees this couple just pressure them on finding out what they are having - I REALLY want to know so I can start sewing some things. LOL! Just kidding Jod, we are just so excited for both of you.

The last Hoorah!

Well, this post is short and sweet. Why you ask? Because our extended family gathering was a little hectic to say the least. I have to confess by Sunday I was exhausted, tiring of hauling things in and out of the house, into the car, into the house, back into the car, back into the house...and on and on. Don't get me wrong I LOVE spending time with family, but all the days in a row got a little weary in the end.

So, on Sunday we were with my dad's side of the family. I had made tshirts for the kiddos that were having their first Christmas. And that is about all the pictures I got from the night. Sad I know :) This bunch of munchkins is pretty cute though if I may say so. Getting them to all look in the same direction...close to impossible!

Christmas 2

Christmas Day started off with celebrating the reason for the season - Christ's birth! After church we went to Tadd's parent's house to spend the day. We continued the Grusy tradition with clam chowder and chili..mmm mmm! And yes, that was just for lunch along with lots of other good tasting food.

After lunch we had a small performance with our angel :)

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. And yes, we came up with this idea the day before - hence the sheets and broom handle! But, enjoyable nonetheless.

Brooks and Selah check out the gifts to come.

Our kids are spoiled to say the least. We are quite the blessed family that we can all exchange gifts with each other. It was another great year. Selah got a new baby and high chair, clothes, things for her dollhouse. Finn got toys, clothes, bath toys.

It was another great year of celebrating with family. Mom and Dad G

And yes, this is just a glance at round 2 for dinner. The diets don't start until the new year, right?!

Christmas sparkle

Christmas morning...a quick picture before church. Selah of course was not interested in taking a picture when mommy wanted too, but when she wanted to twirl in her outfit then she wanted her picture taken. Go figure!

Christmas 1

Christmas Eve started out with breakfast at my mom and dad's. My brother was here from Missouri, which was great because I don't get to see my nieces and nephews near enough and it was great to have the whole family together :) The annual grandkid picture is always an adventure - here it is (and of course there were about 50 more too)

Then all the kiddos got to open gifts. The big highlights: a racetrack, a kitchen, and a dollhouse. Here the boys show off their gifts.

Abby and Kara play with Selah and her new dollhouse.

We had appetizer/snacks during the day followed by dinner in the evening. Then we had to celebrate birthdays for December & January - Andrew, Adam, Kristen, Abby, and Katie!

This little girlie was the first grandkid born in the group of new babies and she just turned 1 on December 6th! I cannot believe that in a few more months we will be celebrating Finn's first already too!

It was a long day at mom and dad's, but full of memories and time spent enjoying each other's company. The best part of the day: when kiddos took naps :) of course then we were just preparing food and things for the next round of chaos after they all woke up, but fun nonetheless! Christmas Day to come...