This week we got to spend some time with our friends the Gilberts.

Jack, playing with the 'pit' bell.

Cowboy Joe

Rick, enjoying his apple crisp....yes, it was that amazing!

Jack got "Pit" for Christmas.

Kaity, Stephanie, and I

I guess Jack thought the bell was artistic.

Christmas Morning

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Eli, trying out his new MP3 player

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Sisters

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A.J. liked his new cowboy hat.

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Kaity and Brent got these from Mom and Dad.

Nathan didn't quite know what was going on.

I got Dad this big remote for two reasons. We won't lose it as easily...and also, he can use it without his glasses. :)

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Nathan loved his animal flash cards. I think Mom decided to get him these because he was walking around the house the other day with a toy duck, gleefully saying, "mooo!"

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oh yeah, a new tie!

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Mindy gave Molly this pretty doll.

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Luke loves magnetix, and this large set added greatly to his collection.

After breakfast, Kaity and Brent called Brent's brothers to tell them about the baby. I believe Mr. Gellos was making some smart comment, which was making them laugh.

We got a special Christmas surprise!

Christmas Eve Dinner

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Elizabeth and I decided that we would try to start a new tradition to spice up our Christmas celebration. We consulted recipes and grocery ads in order to get the fanciest (yet still affordable) Christmas Eve dinner for our family. We thought it would be nice for everyone to have a relaxing evening after all the busyness of the season.

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Ingredients for Lizzy's all-vegetable soup.

Right before stirring it up...

Lizzy and I spent most of the day at the counter...

Fresh baked dinner rolls...

The younger children were wondering why we used Soooooooo much silverware! :o)

"Touch the rolls before dinner, and you die!"

The menu...

Partners in cuisine...

Appetizer: Tropical Crystal

Salad...

Mushroom/cheese tortelloni with broccoli florets and four cheese pasta sauce...

Drizzled fruit cheesecake...

Connor, after being served the first four courses, watched as we started to serve the cheesecake. Then, in a very full and weary voice, he said, "Cheesecake? I'll have mine tomorrow." Now you know a young boy is REALLY full when he refuses such a desert! :o)

The Entree: Bacon wrapped angus filet supreme...

I am sure that many of you who prepare meals for your family wonder at times if they really enjoyed the meal or if they are just being nice. Well, when I came out to make sure everyone was satisfied at the end of the meal, I got a pretty good indication that it was well received.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Caroling

We girls made these yummy dipped Oreos and pretzels for the gift bags.

And of course, we made chocolate chip cookies too. I don't know anyone who doesn't like choc. chip.

Nathan, all ready to go caroling. He didn't help much with the singing, but people like his cute grin. :)
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Here are all of us kids by a Christmas tree (which you can barely see poking up behind us.)

Emily's new look

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After an ice storm knocked the power out at our house, we spent part of the evening with some friends.
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It's been nice to have Rick, Kaity and Brent home for a couple of weeks.

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Team 3

Team 1

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Team 2's picture didn't turn out...and team 4 declined getting a picture taken.
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