Goodbye 2016

Another year has come and gone.

Our verse for 2016 was:

"Be still and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

As a family; we welcomed a new family member, traveled in our RV, strengthened bonds with family and friends, memorized scripture, tried new things, and voted in a historical election.

This was a year of "rest" for us.  We didn't have any major, life changing events (quite the opposite from the last two years).  It was a year of stillness.  We focused on our relationship with Jesus, each other, and those around us.

Goodbye 2016!

You were good to us!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

A fun afternoon at the movies for Uncle Joshie, Cade, Daddy, Blake & Barrett!

Christmas Day

The kids woke up early, ready to see what Santa had brought them.

There is something so magical about Christmas Day.

We played with their presents, watched the Disney Christmas Parade, ate yummy food, and most of us stayed in our pj's all day.

Kaleb got the robot dog and Spider-man costume he had on his list.

 The boys were shocked to see that Santa had brought the Traxxas remote control race trucks they have been wanting.

 Kaleb and Brynn got bigger bikes, much needed and wanted! (Kaleb can't ride his yet because of his broken arm.)

 We went to Gram and Papa's for dinner.

Cousin C was sick, so he and Uncie had to stay home:(  We face-timed them so they didn't miss out on being in the traditional pj/bed picture!

We opened presents and ate more yummy food.  We enjoyed the time with our family!  I love seeing my kids make sweet Christmas memories.  My own childhood Christmas memories are some of my most treasured!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve!

 We spent the day baking,

 smoking a turkey,

 looking at Christmas lights,

reading the Christmas story from the Bible,

and getting ready for Santa to come visit!

 'Twas the night before Christmas...

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Papa and Gram had tickets to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra... but then Papa wasn't feeling well.  So, Blake and I got to go in their place!  And I'm so glad we did!  Blake loves music and was in awe the whole time!

 The seats were amazing!

 These guys don't mess around!  They really rock it out!

 We left with our ears ringing and an extra pep in our step!

About half way home our hearing finally got back to normal.  We talked the whole way home about our favorite parts of the concert and how amazing it was. 

It was such a fun night for us!!

Pecos Bill, Jingle Bell Run, and Class Parties

 Our school doesn't hold back from trying to cram as much as possible into our half day on the last day before winter break.

The morning started with Kaleb's class Christmas party.  Since he is at a different school than us, Gram was able to go to his party with him. We are so thankful for Gram!

 Next, was Barrett's Pecos Bill play.  He played the part of Pa.  Thankfully I was able to get my class covered so that I could go watch.  He did such a good job!

 Daddy was able to come watch too.  Such a fun morning for us! 

After that was the Jingle Bell Run.  Brynn's grade ran at the same time as mine, so I got to see her make a few passes by.

 Class parties were next.  I was able to run through the school and pop in to see each of the kids for a second while the moms in my own classroom had things under control.

Blake's last school Christmas Party :(

 All of that accomplished by noon!

Let the break begin!

Lunch Date

Auntie got out of school the week before we did, so she surprised the kids at school!

10th Annual Progressive Dinner

The time had come for our 10th Annual Grable Family Progressive Dinner!

We started off at the Killough home for chips and dips.

They drew Cade, Auntie, Barrett, and Josh's names for gifts.

 Next, we were off to the Estes home for appetizers.

They drew Aiden, Elleigh, Mantha, and my names for gifts.

 Our house was next for the main dish.  Robert smoked pork for us to make pulled pork sliders. 

My favorite daughter and I were twinning!

We set up the tripod and took a family picture before Cousin C had to leave for his church Christmas Party.

 We drew Bradley, Zoey, YayYay, Annie, Uncie, and Cousin C's names (Cousin C had already left by present time).

 Last stop was the Gillespie home for desserts.

They drew Robert, Kaleb, Blake, and Brynn's names.

 This night is always a fun, fast-paced night.  The kids don't know who draws their names, so each house they arrive in anticipation that it will be the house where they will get to open a gift.

And as always, time spent with our family is the best!

Wandering Wisemen

Blake was apart of the Wandering Wisemen at church the Sunday before Christmas.  In this picture, he is the camel's hind end.  Later on, he was a wiseman.

Sunday Before Christmas

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

New Glasses

This guy has had quite a month.  He failed his vision test at school, so we took him for an eye exam... sure enough, he needs to wear glasses.  His new glasses came in and we think he looks adorable!

FBC's Sounds of Christmas

We enjoyed the beautiful Christmas music presented by our church's choir.

Cousins!

Happenings

Some of our December happenings:

Barrett started tennis lessons, and loves it!

 2nd grade had their week of swim at the aquatic center.

 Barrett had a cookie decorating party with his friends. 

 Blake had his first band concert.  It was a holiday concert. He played well and had a fun time!