Christmas Break Adventures

Painting and art projects

 A visit from Grammie and Grampie

 "Sharing" Madison's new scooter
Madison's number 1 gift on her Christmas list was a taller scooter :)

 Racing cars down the tubes and stairs. Hours and hours of fun and enjoyment.

 Tuning into "church" in the comfort of our home. I love worshiping together as a family- wherever we are.

 Just a boy and his police cars. There was a big robbery- or so he said.

 Ice cream treats at Chickfila after a long afternoon of playing.

 Airplane box races around the house and through the kitchen

 Endless games of Dance Dance Revolution. Fun for the entire family
Thanks Grammie and Grampie. We love it!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning in front of the tree opening presents

 Cooper opening his High Tide Rescue Bots boat- it was the number 1 item on his list :) Thanks Pops and Grann

 Each of the Sparkles received a new phone from Daddy and Mama :) The Littles enjoy having their own device to take pictures, videos and play games. Lillian was thrilled with her phone in the pink case and eager to show everyone.

 Roar said the hot water bottle. Thanks Auntie Lisa

 And a monkey hot water bottle for Lillian

 The much requested Florida Gator sweat shirts for all of the Sparkles from Uncle Caleb and Aunt Susanne.

 Lillian's number 1 item on her Christmas list was her very own package of ice breaker mints. Here she is after opening them in her stocking :)

 And there is Cooper- back to his High Tide Boat. He is a very happy boy.

 Lillian loves her Doll and Me Dress sets and was quick to change herself and her doll to match.

 Each Christmas I make a special gift for the Grandparents and loved ones in the family. This year I chose to sew pillows of love connecting the Sparkles in Indiana to where their grandparents live. We may be separated by distance but not in our hearts.

 Enjoying playing with their gifts while Mama makes Christmas breakfast.

 Cinnamon Rolls and bacon- a very happy family :)

 All playing on their own phones. They are so cute playing their games and telling one another "Hey look at this"

 Off to Nana and Papa's to spend Christmas with them and Omi.
Sharing shrimp cocktail with Omi.

 Patiently waiting for lunch

 The perfect end to a lovely day. Curled up watching the last episode of Downton Abbey (season 6 Christmas episode). A lovely perk of working for a UK company- the ability to VPN and watching the show live on the day aired. A perfect blessing to end a perfect day.

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed a quiet "snowless" Christmas in Indiana- spending time together as a family and enjoining the blessings of the season. 

Our dear friends (and cousins) joined us for Christmas eve service at our church a delicious dinner of surf and turf (Steak and Lobster). 

Lillian also wanted to share her Gingerbread house as part of the dessert table.

After Dinner we shared our Christmas tradition of opening pajamas then all changed and posed for pictures in front of the tree before settling in to watch The Nativity Story together. 

Sparkle Math

Sick Sparkles

Snuggles and Cuddles and wishing the germs away.

 Lilli I will hold you so you feel better- Cooper is the best little brother

 Cuddling with Mama while watching a movie. A recipe for recovery

Blessings

Sparkle Pillows and independent reading :)
It doesn't get much better then this.

Roller Skating :)

With the cold winter weather finally settling into Indiana, it is time to stay indoors but that doesn't mean the adventures stop.

Off we went to roller skate as a family, one Sunday after church.

 Check out Cooper's skates :)

 My loves

 Even Mama gave it a try :)

 Before we left we enjoyed a few arcade games and friendly competition.

What a wonderful way to spend a cold afternoon- making memories with the people I love the most.