River is One!

River turned one on Friday, but we celebrated on Thursday.

Wearing Jessica's hat

She was a bit overwhelmed at the amount of people and gifts. She'd just open something cool to play with when someone would take it away and hand her a new package.

She wasn't sure how to get started. It would make sense to have a little cutout area where she could get to the cake part easier.

On her actual birthday I took River and Jessica to the Chinese buffet.

Finally got  a smile!

Fun Friday: How Many Blocks are There?

I am borrowing this from the page listed on the picture. Don't cheat. How many blocks are there? Post settings Labels Schedule Permalink Location Options

Christmas Day

Those of us at home. Kayla is really that much taller than the others.

Jasmine liked her new jacket.

And her books from Uncle Ken.

The new DS was no surprise to Tyler since he picked it out.

Adam, Tara, Kealen and Sierra came over for  lunch.

Yes, we did all play Disney Uno.

The kids made a birthday cake for Jesus, and Kealen blew out the candles.

A week or so ago Jessica took River to see Santa. It looks like she had a lot to say to him!

The kids got tools for Christmas, and we put them to work right away on three projects that we need to finish before our home study begins. But that is a post in itself.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is when the adult children come over to exchange gifts. Even before I had adult children, Christmas Eve is when we got stocking gifts and "kid bought" gifts. That part is still the same, the difference is that we also give out the gifts to those who don't live in the house. Then Christmas morning is for those still in the house.

So here are some photos of Christmas Eve. I played around with the filters on some of them.

River loved the ornaments. So we ended up taking the ends off of several so she could safely play with them. So thankful for the new shatterproof ornaments. Now if they were only scatterproof!

She was very willing to show off her walking skills.

Same picture, three color tones.

Kealen "Keke"

Siblings

More sibs

And more sibs

Photo bomb

Opening Aunt Jazzy's present

Showing off his sweatshirt from Aunt Lou

No,she didn't get Rizzoli and Isles for Christmas!! Gigi got that.

In her Paw Patrol pjs

I bought Paw Patrol pjs for both, but I bought a size big in case of shrinkage.

This was all just Christmas Eve. I'll post Christmas Day tomorrow. LOTS going on her yesterday and today, but most of the celebrating was on Christmas Eve.

This was a rough Christmas for Tara because her mom died last January, her father is in prison as is her son's father. So she is 19 and has a 3 year old special needs child she is trying to raise alone along with trying to work full time to support them both. So please keep her in your prayers.

Jasmine and I got her a special ornament in memory of her mom and a card, and she posted a photo of them on facebook.