CHRISTMAS BREAK!

Christmas Break was a dream.

It was the first time since the baby was born that things settled down long enough to have some lazy days at home.  It was also the first time that Brett took significant time off since Russ came, and by significant I mean TWO WHOLE WEEKS OFF!

I told you... it was a dream.

The first week we did a whole lot of Christmas preparations and hopping from parties and such.

The next week was New Year's and we spent time playing with Christmas loot, recovering from the craziness, and then spending a few days with the Nelsons, Tolmans, Warnicks, and Tueller's up at the cabin.

Here are a few snaps from the blissful days of no school and all play.

(Full disclosure... these first two snaps aren't official Christmas break...but close to.)

We visited Principal Kate one day for lunch in the Principal's office, and man were my kids entertained.  She had a drawer of goodies that provided entertainment for all!

Tucker was able to go on a date with Brett to do some Christmas shopping and to experience Arby's for the first time.

Curly fries for the win!

Jack spent a significant time lurking around our house in a caped fashion.

*It should be known that many-a-tear was shed over the perfect tying of this cape.

Some tears were his, some mine.  I tell you what.  This creative little boy is kind of a monster if things don't go his way.

We had plenty of time and SNOW to play with our new 4 wheeler that we bought over the break!

This puppy + the new motorcycle are going to be a blast up at the cabin.

Still looking for one more so the whole fam will have wheels!

Jack started learning how to ride the beast!

Tucker kind of  learned...and gave me a heart attack.

Maybe the most significant event of our break was going to see the new Star Wars movie!

THE FORCE AWAKENS!!

Oh snap. This was huge!

Jack...as dramatic as his little soul is...to the core...has such inner conflict.

He battles being easily embarrassed, so when it was time to go- you could tell he desperately wanted to go in full costume.  But, he couldn't bear the thought of all the attention.

Tucker, on the other hand, suited up head to toe in his stormtrooper gear and was ALL IN.

Jack comfortably settled for his black leather jacket (kind of a Hans Solo- Darth Vader on the Town vibe) + his new helmet.

Watching these two strut down the theater in their gear like it was no big was maybe the highlight of my entire year.

Jack kept taking his helmet on and off...but Tucker had fans dying over him from the second we got there.  People were posing with him for pictures... it was awesome!

Hank, Max, and Sam had a blast with their nut-ball cousins.

The movie was awesome, and my kids' audible gasps could only be rivaled by...MINE!

AH! What's happened to me?!?

I could not have told you the plot to one Star Wars movie five years ago.

Now... I am full blow nerd.

That force...it's strong I tell ya.

(eek.)

Anyway.. Christmas Break.

As I mentioned,

We headed up to the cabin for a few days.

12 adults and 18 grand kids.

Gulmp.

Good thing the cabin is in tip top shape... man, that place is incredible!

Accommodated all of us unbelievably well and we had a blast!

Our kids had so much fun with all of their cousins, and Russ handled the whole thing like a boss.

Our kids get along better in the mountain air.

Now... let's discuss the real reason for limited picts this holiday season. (j/k)

Brett decided to let the beard go.

And by go...I mean go.

 No work meant no grooming, and damn.

Things got a little out of control.

Russell's reaction to the beard:

What else? What else?

Jack just sat and read his scriptures all of the break:

(uhhhh...he decided this day to sit on his bed until he finished turning every single page...it counts as reading it, right?)

We did start revving up on the eating improvement front with him, however...and fingers crossed... maybe (but probably not), we're seeing improvement.

Poor kid has got some mental hurdles to overcome.  We'll get there I'll suppose.

His homework (to write 2 goals for 2016):

1. I want to eat better.

2. I want to do what is right.

Aw...precious little head case.  We'll figure it out.

Looking ahead to 2016! The past year has been a good one for us, mostly because of Russell coming to us.  Can't think of a better capstone to a year!