The Long-Lost Christmas Post

Christmas was almost a month ago. But given the month we’ve had since, it should not be a surprise that I’m just now getting around to posting the pictures. The fact is, today was the first time that I actually LOOKED at the pictures we took over Christmas. No joke. I dusted the camera off, turned it on for the first time in almost a month and looked at the pictures on it. It was actually kind of fun. Kind of like Christmas. So, without further adieu, here is how the Koper Family spent Christmas 2011:

The week before Christmas, my parents came to Abilene and spent a few days with us. But apparently, I didn’t take any pictures during this time. Then on some day before Christmas, I don’t remember exactly when, my parents and the kids and I drove out to McKinney to stay with my sister, Holly and her family. Steve came out the next day…or a few days later. I can’t remember, now. What a great story this is turning out to be. But anyway, we had a fun few days just hanging out as a family.

This was the first time my parents were meeting their newest grandchild, McKenna Jade.  She was a big fan of my dad holding her like “Super Girl”

Grandpa Koper came out to spend a few days with us, too!

McKenna was a big fan of her Grampy.

Uncle Steve enjoyed picking sock fuzzies out from between McKenna’s toes.

My mom helped the kids make Christmas cookies. There were super messy and super fun and super yummy.

Dad’s just here for the cookie dough.

We have two family “traditions” we have started. This was our second year to do Advent, which is done every Sunday leading up to Christmas, where we talk about the Hope, Peace, Love and Joy we have in Christ and light a candle for each. And this was the first year we’ve counted down to Christmas day with books. I had 24 wrapped Christmas books and each night before bed, the kids picked one, opened it and we read it. Some of them were old, ones we have had for years; some were new; some where silly, about snowmen and reindeer; some were meaningful, about the birth of Jesus; some were cheap, from the dollar store; and some were beautiful, hardcover books that Jack (our book-ripper) wasn’t allowed to touch. I think it was a big hit and we will be doing it again every year. Especially since we now own 24 Christmas books.

My handsome nephew, Nolan enjoying a Christmas book.

Story Time

We went to a Christmas Eve service at Holly and Stan’s Church. Since we were all dressed up, it was the perfect time to take some family pictures before we left.

Picture time took a while.

Eventually, we got it right.

Somehow, Grammy and Grampy got theirs right the first time!

Holly and Stan weren’t so lucky.

But they got it in the end!

Our 8th Christmas as man and wife, and my parent’s 30th.

Christmas Eve was also the day we celebrated my sister, Holly’s birthday.

Nolan was pretty excited when the cake ended up in front of him!

My beautiful sister and her babies.

On the bottom of her gift from her hubby, was a map showing where he and Steve had traveled over the course of many hours to find her gift. They were awesome enough to wait until December 23rd to go out and find a camera and ended up all over the the Dallas area into the wee hours of the night.

Jack really enjoyed the birthday cake and ice cream. He made sure to get every drop out of his bowl.

We had Christmas. I do remember when that was. And I do remember that we all went into the living room to open presents and then Gabby decided that she needed to go potty. So we all waited before starting the festivities. And waited. And waited. She must have sat in there for a good 15 minutes. But we waited. And eventually she emerged, triumphant and ready to start opening presents. I wanted to make sure and document that story so that when she’s 16, she can be super embarrassed that I told that story to the world.

First glimpse of the loot.

The boys playing patiently while waiting for Gabby to come out of the bathroom.

“Let the wild ruckus begin!”

Grammy crying over her calendar of Grandchildren pictures.My mom made us these profile pictures of the kids – can’t wait to put them up when we move into a house again….eventually.One of the day’s most popular gifts – Steve’s ping-pong set for the table. There was quite the tournament.

We are so blessed by our family. Our time together with them over Christmas could only have been better if Cara and Kyle Thornton had been there.

Whew! I did it! I blogged our Christmas. I can check it off my to-do list, at last! Up next: Move #1 of 3 for 2012. Our first move of the year will be documented with pictures and everything, but for now, You’re All Caught Up!