We obtained to rejoice Christmas a number of instances the previous two weeks and it’s been so particular!
We had our instant household Christmas on the twenty second. This has develop into a convention we stay up for yearly! We began the day with breakfast that all of us made collectively after which opening presents. (We beloved having the boyfriends and Isabel with us this 12 months as we have now the previous few years!) (I wrote extra concerning the day right here.)
Why do these two appear to be they’ve immediately grown up by a couple of years??
We additionally celebrated the present of David! It’s been two years since he formally grew to become a Paine. I wrote extra about my ideas on his adoption and why I’ve so many huge and conflicting emotions on at the present time.
These three hold our lives ever fascinating and absolutely and hilarious!
After our household Christmas was over mid-day on the twenty second, we spent the remainder of the day packing and getting every thing within the automotive to depart for Kansas. We left early night and drove to O’Fallon, IL and stayed there in a single day after which made it to Kansas (the place either side of our household reside) on the twenty third.
Micah was SO excited to see Jesse’s dad and mom’ canine, Copper!
We celebrated Christmas with my household on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We additionally spent a while with Jesse’s household and performed Codenames for the primary time.
We had a couple of mom/daughter espresso dates, together with one at The Assembly Home in Sedgwick, KS. I really like this place!
It was so particular to have all of my sisters collectively this Christmas and we simply LOVED getting to hang around a lot!
I attempted a Lavender Blackberry Iced London Fog for the primary time and now have determined I have to discover ways to make one! It was scrumptious!
Talking of first instances, David swang on a swing by himself with out us holding onto him for the primary time ever! And he did it for fairly an extended whereas and beloved it! We’re so pleased with the progress he continues to make!
My siblings, my dad and mom, and spouses/vital others. (Can you notice Jesse? He’s type of hiding behind me!)
We performed all types of artistic video games, laughed so laborious, obtained caught up on everybody’s lives, and beloved seeing all our youngsters play collectively!
We waited to rejoice Christmas with Jesse’s household till December thirtieth so that everybody might be collectively. It was the primary time in ears that every one the siblings had been collectively for Christmas and so they had the BEST time!!
David beloved getting to hang around with so many aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents and laughed a lot! I beloved attending to see everybody work together with him and revel in him!
We additionally did household footage with Jesse’s household since everybody was collectively.
The youngsters weren’t tremendous enthusiastic about doing pics outdoors because it was chilly, however they survived and hopefully there will likely be some good pics from the bunch!
Behind the scenes: All of the cousins (up to now — there’s one on the best way!) with Grandma and Grandpa
Jesse’s sister coordinated a prank on Jesse’s dad and mom the place the children all selected obscure gadgets that had been at his dad and mom’ home and wrapped them up and offered it to them as in the event that they had been legit items.
It was hilarious and it took a very long time for his dad and mom to catch on that one thing wasn’t including up and the items appeared very acquainted! 
We laughed SO laborious about it and so they beloved the prank!
A yearly favourite: the Saran Wrap Ball recreation, because of Jesse’s sister, Lisa!
One among my favourite pics from our journey to Kansas for Christmas: Kathrynne recreated this image of herself from years in the past when she had requested for wooden for Christmas!
