Christmas Eve

I snapped some quick pictures of the kids before we headed over to Grammy & Papa's house to celebrate. Doug also opened a couple of his presents before we left so that he would have them while he was working that night on the mid. He was happy to open up his Jawbone Jambox that he had been wanting for some time and the kids got him a cool thermos for coffee while he is working the long mid shifts. After we got home from the Christmas Eve celebration we fed the reindeer and set out cookies for Santa. Doug and the kids tracked Santa on NORAD to see where he was currently delivering presents. After a few our traditional stories including the First Christmas and The Night Before Christmas I got the kids all snuggled up in our bed for the night. They were sleeping in our bed because Doug was working the mid shift and we didn't want the kids to see what Santa brought before Doug got home and could share in the excitement with all of us together. They went to sleep so quickly - nothing like how it used to be in our house. I remember laying in bed for what seemed like all night... waiting to see what Santa would bring or if I could hear him.... These kids were out like a light. Perhaps it was all the partying at Grammy and Papa's house.... :)

Hornback Family Christmas 2011

We spent Christmas Eve with Doug's family at Grammy & Papa's house, as is tradition. The kids played a while and we shared dinner together before the kids tore into the presents. As usual, they were super, super excited for that part of the evening. Love seeing the excitement and looks of joy on their faces. It was a great night filled with family and the spirit of the season.

No More Training Wheels!

Rachel learned to ride her bike today with no training wheels! The kids were over at Grammy and Papa's for some fun while Doug and I went on a bike ride. She had been getting really close to doing it all by herself and we are very proud of her! Way to go Rachel! :)

Holiday Baking

We have been doing quite a bit of holiday baking lately - lots of cookies and cupcakes. We have done gingerbread men, sugar cookies with Aunt Chrissy and the girls, sugar cookies with Mekenzie & Max, cupcakes and most of all, chocolate chip cookies for Daddy! I think we have made up 8 batches of choco-chip cookies this fall/winter. It has been a lot of fun and the kids love making anything that is good to eat. I love to see their creativity and also how much they enjoy themselves as they work.