On Christmas Eve we were able to leave our house around 2:00 PM, which is 1:00 St. Louis time. Our goal was to make it to the 5:00 PM service at Aunt Dawn's church, but we knew it would be cutting it close. We decided to drive without stopping so that we would have a chance to make it. It ended up that we pulled into the parking lot of the church at 5:00, but still had to get the boys dressed in their Christmas outfits. We had the boys dressed and Gene changed in the car in record time. I had already changed while we were on the road. Think we walked into church only about 5 minutes late or so. Dana, Doug, Emily, Michael, and Leyna had saved us seats way up front. The service was designed for kids, so Andrew loved the fact that he got to dress up like a little king. We didn't even need to get out our kids toy bag, which is a rarity for my kids. We chatted a little after the service and then it was off again to head to Aunt Gayle and Uncle Laurence's house. The kids fell asleep on the way, so they were a little cranky when we first got there, but were able to get them off to bed without too much trouble. That allowed for a good visit with Gayle. Laurence was a little under the weather, so he was off to bed early. The next morning we left to go to the farm around 10:00 AM. It was great to see all the relatives there and celebrate Jesus' birthday together!! The kids had a great time running around the farm. Andrew got to climb up in the hay loft with Michael and we all enjoyed a walk down to the creek. Noah called every animal he saw "doggie" and smiled the whole time. It's great to be able to expose my kids to a little bit of "country living" since they really are city kids. I know my exposure to the farm as a kid is something I will always treasure.
Grandpa sitting and pondering while we were all singing Christmas carols.
Grandma was content to sit and watch the Great Grandchildren play. Andrew, Noah and Xavier were playing and Grandma said "My we sure have some pretty boys."
Noah with the farm dog Petie. To Noah all the animals were doggies.
Andrew watching the piggies. Don't think he knows that we'll be eating those pigs come February!
Andrew and Michael climbing in the hay loft. I just love Andrew's expression in this picture.
Throwing rocks into the creek. What fun!!
Walking back from the creek. Those little legs were too tired to walk the whole way!!
When we got back from our walk to the creek all the Christmas lights were just coming on. As it got darker you could see them better. I think Bonnie said this year she thought there were about 25,000 lights - WOW!! Their light display has sparked a little bit of a neighborly competition as another neighbor has started putting up lots of lights and another one plans to join the fun next year. I do know that we had more cars pass us on that gravel road as were leaving then I've ever had. I think it was 4 cars, most likely driving to see the lights.
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