Christmas at the Carlson's

Christmas Eve began with dinner with Kristen, Taylor, and the grandkids and Jim's mom (Gan).  James got called in so he came later and had some dinner once he was there.

 Kristen and Jonathan

 Kristen, Victory, and Taylor

 Jim's mom (Gan) and Erin

 Gail and Jim

 Brooklyn, Terrel, Preston and Dylan (left to right, back to front)

Gan opening her gift from Kristen and Tayor - new pictures of their family.

 Brooklyn got play food from Grandpa and Grandma.

Erin with nail polish and fake nails.  Every girl's dream.

 Kristen is helping Victory open his gift from us.  It was a package of match box cars.  He was very excited!

 Preston, Terrel, and Dylan opening their gift from us.

 They all got Nurf guns.  The only problem is their papa (Taylor) didn't get one.  They'll have to share.

 Everyone got hats from Gan this year. 

 The grand kids had made cookies to bring over.  Yummm....

 Christmas morning began just after 8:00. I think that's the latest we've ever began. Here is Erin with her big gift - a nail art kit. She was very happy.

 And Jonathan was very pleased with his new video game.  (Thanks to great sales)

 James opening presents.  Now I think he has the right idea, opening presents while still laying in bed.

 Jonathan began his right of passage into becoming a man - his first shave.  We have been noticing quite a bit of dark hair on that upper lip.  So, "Santa" brought some razors and shaving cream.

 I am really not sure how ready I am with all this growing up stuff but I guess I will need to deal with it.

We hope that you all had wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior.  We pray that you have a wonderful new year and that you come to know the Lord in a deeper way throughout the year.

Growing Up

Last night, Erin had the opportunity to go to a formal dinner at youth group.  She got all dressed up and went with her friend Kelly.  We had commitments already, so she was escorted by our good friend, Rod, Kelly's dad.  She looks way too grown up here.

 

Christmas Ships on the Columbia

We saw the Christmas Ships on the Columbia River tonight and had a great time at a pot luck with friends.  Our friends, Dan and Susan, live in a floating home on the Columbia.  We had a wonderful night with great fellowship and great food.  I forgot my camera so the I took pictures of the boats with my phone.  They are a little blurry but hopefully you get the idea. 

It Been Way Too Long!

     Has it really been almost two months since I last updated our blog? That's way too long so I will try to update how things are going in pictures.

     We are having a wonderful time reconnecting with our grandkids.  We have been able to spend some birthdays with them, babysit them and just spend time with them.  I realized after looking at my pictures that I have pictures of them all except Victory.  I think he was taking a nap when I got the camera out.  I will try hard to get pictures of Victory at Christmas.

Dylan (6)

 Preston (3)

 Terrel (8)

 Brooklyn (4)

 On November 23rd we received a dusting of snow.  We all enjoyed that.

 We enjoyed Thanksgiving with all of our kids. 

James with Brooklyn

 Erin with Samuel

 The three older boys showing us their airsoft guns.

 I tried a new pie recipe and it was a big hit - a Crunchy Caramel Apple pie.  James says whenever I make it again, I can invite him over.  There were no leftovers.

 Erin and Kristen - no similarities here, are there?

 James, Jonathan, Kristen and Erin

 Jim putting the lights on the Christmas tree

 The kids decorating the tree

 The final view

 The last update is one where I should have taken before and after pictures.  Jim's hair had gotten so long it was curling.  He kept asking me to cut his hair, something I was a little scared of doing.  I had cut Jonathan's hair but for some reason, this seemed a lot different.  Well, I finally got enough courage to do it.  It actually came out pretty good.

     We are really looking forward to having Christmas Eve with the kids at our house this year. It is coming very quickly but I think we are almost ready.