A Merry Christmas

Although we have a simple life in comparison with the majority of Americans, we have not yet quite simplified our Christmas. 

I think it runs in my blood.

Since we were little, my dad has always gone over the top with Christmas lights.

And maybe I go a little overboard at our home.

My excuse is that my husband and I do not buy the kids anything throughout the year. Instead, I listen to what they repeatedly ask for and keep it in mind. Also, I do try to buy higher quality items that will last a long time. I know my excuses are not that great for someone who tries to keep things simple, but...

 Taven got a fishing pole and immediately wanted to use it. He was pretending in the living room and I heard him say "ugggghhh, I think I got some seaweed."

 Naia asks to paint on pretty much a daily basis so she got some nice watercolors and a little desk.

 All of the kids have wanted a bird feeder for the window that they can see from inside the house. They also received an insect hotel.

 Taven and Mirek got a football, and after getting hit in the nose, Taven decided it would be smart to wear his ninja turtle mask while playing catch.

Both Eaden and Taven have been asking for softball/baseball gloves and each received one.

Taven finally got a skateboard helmet.

We now have a legitimate game cabinet and a few new building toys.

Everyone wanted a kite and Santa delivered. We are now just waiting for that perfect windy day.

The kids got a nature study kit and binoculars to take on our nature walks. There were also ant farms and ladybug farms.

 Eaden received a lap loom and a monster tail loom.

Both girls received some items for their doll collection and a new outfit to wear.

On the day after Christmas, the oldest three decided to use some of the money they received from their grandparents and great grandma to go see Annie at the "big" movie theater. We only ever go to the dollar theater so it was a nice experience.

The best thing about Christmas? Spending time with family of course.

We get to see my niece Hannah who does not live nearby.

My sister and I were trying to get her to smile the whole time because it's just so darn cute.

 We also like to mess with the babies and teach them "tricks."

 Merry Christmas!

Mostly Outside

We have done a lot since the last time I posted. We got a Christmas tree!

 In our part of Texas, the leaves really start to fall throughout December. Every day is spent outside. My neighbors probably want me to rake, but then the kids would complain that they are "bored."

 I always dream of a homestead, but I am thankful that my kids at least have our little space while most are confined within the four walls of a classroom.

Anything that we do at night is not recorded by my camera. I suppose I just have not mastered the art of night photography. 

See.

Whatever.

We went to Christmas in the Park at Sheldon Lake State Park during the LIGHT of day.

We started off with some Christmas crafts.

 Then off on our nature walk.

We saw a small alligator!

 Mirek decided, either because it looked a little bit like a corn dog or because the other kids persuaded him, that he would eat a cattail.

 Then he washed it down with water.

 And then, since he was wet, I had to carry him. If I did not wish to carry him, his legs failed to work.

 We climbed the observation tower...to break dance.

 It was windy.

 We had a picnic and I realized that everything takes on a new dimension of funny when up high in the sky.

 Back down to earth.

 Taven refuses to smile for pictures.

 The kids found a natural seesaw.