The Joys of Christmas

I am writing this a month late and I can still say "I love Christmas!" 

I think I do love it better looking back at it, as I sometimes get caught up in the "to do's" but that gets erased and only these happy things remain.  

I'm sure this year was extra special as we were in Hallettsville, didn't travel at all, and everyone came to see us :) 

Let's start with the Christmas plays. Kenzie was an angel and of course loved it and said her lines perfectly and even made the front page of the paper.  Klayton was mad at me because I dressed him too "preppy" and not "country" enough.  I'll work on that! 

Next step - visit Santa.  Again a little different because it wasn't the mall but the bank works too :).  Klayton went right up and asked for his xbox and NCAA football (good thing Santa found a black friday special).

Kenzie asked for a cat that danced when you tickled it.  Interesting but done.  And Konnor asked for a "aarf." That is a dog but he was only OK with talking to Santa if he was in Kevin's lap.  

And of course you can't make it through Christmas without some cookie decorating.  This is not my expertise or favorite thing so I let Grandma and Aunt Carrie handle it and they did great!

 Speaking of Aunts, Aunt Mel made us some great drinks.  What's Christmas without a new drink too try

 Next new adventure was a hayride.  And it was a success.  We borrowed a trailer and went looking at lights.  We sang a few songs (definitely need song sheets next year), saw a few people, drove around our gorgeous court house and had a fun evening.

Then there is the annual pajama pic - I ventured into sewing and made matching ones.  It was fun!! And Melinda and Carrie even organized a painting event and all the kids (except Konnor) painted their own shirts.

Most importantly - there was lots of smiles

and lots of cousin time

all of the Henke "great grandchildren" - missing 3 families

and since we were all in one place, we even managed a date night thanks to Nana (Dave's mom).  We decided that it was the first time the 6 of us have been out for an evening without kids.  That is sad but true!

  

I