Roswell Christmas!

 Friday morning we loaded up and headed out to Roswell super early so we could enjoy as much time as possible with the family. 

Madi loved seeing all her cousins.  Especially Archer, since he is so close to walking on his own. 

 The big kids spent a little of the morning with Grandpa up at the gym at his school.

 Grandpa taught her all types of things . . .

 We also visited his students' green house and the amazing plants they've grown.

 Then it was finally time to enjoy a great meal and open a few presents!

 Uncle Jacob and Aunt Bonnie's presents arrived too!

 Then we took a few family pictures!

 The Dodson Clan!

 Just the cousins!

 Grandma and Grandpa plus all the grandkids!

 We sure missed Uncle Jacob and Aunt Bonnie!  :)

At school a few weeks back, Madi bought Archer a small turtle at the Snowman Village shopping day they had. 

Aunt Erin sent this picture the next morning to show Madison that Archer likes his new turtle! 

Unfortunately, we cut our visit a little short since Madi started to feel bad.  Thankfully, she seems to be on the mend!

Another Cousin Christmas!

 Day 22:  Fred added another Christmas snow globe to Madi's collection.  Not sure what we're going to do with all of her collections once we start to run out of room. 

 Thursday afternoon, we had the Daniel girls over for our second annual cookie baking and decorating day! 

The girls decorated cookies and played while Shay and I munched on a veggie tray and other snacks enjoying watching them! It's a fun tradition that we will continue.  Matt was thankful to escape the girl day and go see the new Star Wars movie!

 Thursday evening we met my cousins Klay and Kirk for dinner at Dion's and a gift exchange.

 Aunt Melanie was helping Klay's girls, Kiran and Elora, open their gifts.  It's fun to see my cousin Klay as a dad to his sweet 3 year old twin daughters. Sure wish Aunt Bevie was here with us.

 I love that this man joins me on all these fun traditions!

 Aunt Shelle and I got the girls unicorn stick horses. 

 By this look, I think they liked them!

 Day 23:  Fred left a few notes for a scavenger hunt leading to . . .

 a fun treat for our road trip to Roswell!

More cousin Christmas fun coming up!

Cousin Christmas Party!

 Wednesday night we all met at Aunt Shelle and Uncle Cody's house for our annual Cousin Christmas Party! 

First up, everyone guessed how many M&Ms were in this Santa jar.  Uncle Cody won and got to keep the candy!

 All the cousins ready for a night of fun!

 Silly picture!  This captures them well!

 They first did a scavenger hunt around the house that led to fun glow sticks along the way for each of them.  Then we enjoyed yummy tacos for dinner and Aunt Shelle's banana pudding for dessert!

Then we baked and decorated Christmas cookies.

 Maci wrapped one of her stuffed kitties and gave it to Grandma.  We all thought it was too cute and funny.

 Then we played the saran wrap ball game.  One tried to unwrap the money/gifts hidden inside while another tried to roll doubles on dice so the turn would be over!  It wasn't without a few yells and tears but overall a very fun game!

 Then we all played a new kind of game where you had to draw what I said on your head on a paper plate. 

Sounds strange but everyone (even Matt and Uncle Cody!) enjoyed it a lot!

 Then Shelle and I voted on the best pictures! 

 Some were pretty good and others need an interpretation! :)

 Then we played Headbanz with Christmas words! 

 We were there too! :)

 Then we ended the night with a few rounds of charades!

We hated to leave but it was getting super late!

The Week before Christmas!

Day 19:  Fred wanted to go back to the Cayman Islands away from our cold weather so he put on a ski mask and brought Madi one too to brave the cold.

Monday morning we were ready for a short, fun week of school! 

 Monday afternoon she came home with her Santa pictures in her folder.  They turned out cute.

 Matt's official license came in the mail too while we were away!  Ready to frame it!

 Being gone over a week meant we missed many nights of looking at Christmas lights so Monday after dinner we loaded up and headed out.  We tried to find everything on her scavenger hunt list. 

 We even made sure to take the Rudolf-car!

 Day 20:  Fred had a riddle with a Lego set hidden for her to find in her cereal box.

 Tuesday was dress in Christmas colors day for Pirate Pride and their Christmas Carol Concert.

 

I signed up to help with Pirate Pride.

 Madi and Sidney

 Madi's sweet friends!

 Me and my girl! 

 Pirate Pride is a celebration for students that don't get into trouble.  This six weeks we decorated cookies while they watched a Christmas movie.

 We came back Tuesday afternoon to watch the Christmas concert.

 They sang 3 beautiful Christmas songs then we signed her out of school early!

 That afternoon our sweet neighbor, Heidi, brought over adorable cookies she made for us.

 I can't imagine having that kind of talent.

 Tuesday night we loaded up in our pajamas again and headed to look at Christmas lights.

 Day 21:  Fred had a scavenger hunt with candy canes hidden around the house.

 The first thing Madi does each morning in December is find Fred!

 Wednesday was pajama day at school.

 It was also a half day with her Christmas party in the middle around 10am. 

Crazy class picture.

 Serious class picture!

 They made ornaments . . .

 Decorated cookies . . . 

 Played a math Christmas game . . .

 And ate yummy food all morning long!

 Once the party was over I checked her out of school early and we had to find her picture hanging on the wall.  :)

 Then we met Aunt Shelle and cousins at Chick-fila for lunch.

It was the perfect way to start our Christmas break! 
Madi went home with them to play then we met back up that night for our annual Cousins' Christmas Party!