Christmas Season in the Hayes Home

 The biggest fun in our house this Christmas season was that we smuggled Grandma Hayes into our house late one night after the kids had gone to bed (all the way from Texas).  When they woke, not only did they find the first snow fall of the season, Grandma came walking into their room. :)  They were SO SURPRISED!  Grandma ended up staying almost 2 weeks with us to celebrate Christmas.

 We had a small Christmas party with our Izzy's crew.  We played the Paper Plate drawing came, which definitely brought on some good laughs.

 During Christmas break, we also had Peyton's friends over for a Girl's Baking Day, where we made lots of treats to deliver around our town (and eat, of course).

 The Saturday before Christmas, we started a new tradition with the kids where we had a Family Service Day.  We spent several hours making some visits to some elderly people we know, delivered goodies and thank you cards to some teachers and also made these "Comfort Kits" to give to homeless people in our area.

 Part of our service day included Kidnapping a family of kids to give the parents a few hours off.  It's not exactly suffering to have the Kramer kids in our home. :)

 My Dad and Taylor came up and joined in the fun for a few days as well.  Here Grandpa is singing some of his songs to us.

 Like last year, we went caroling with some friends downtown, with candles.

 The candles are always a HUGE hit with the kids.

 The below picture will always make me laugh because close to the time, my Dad, who had been quickly overcome with the flu, was actually throwing up over the landing of the Boardwalk we were on while people passing by commented that he might be drunk.  Only funny because we were actually there singing songs to celebrate Christ's birth. :)

 Deaven made a wax mold of his hand....just like I used to do when I was a kid.

 With having Carol in our home, she brought with her some of HER baking traditions to add into the mix of goodies, like a homemade pie.

 And pie cookies.

 I would have to say that my favorite part of all of Christmas this year was Christmas Sunday where we enjoyed Church with all our family, plus Carol, James, Taylor and John and Dea.  It was a great church service with the people that are true treasures in our lives.

 Dad got an early Christmas present, and one that has been enjoyed by all.  An Ipad.  Here they are loving the drawing program on it.

 Christmas Eve the kids got to open a few things, including some new pajamas.

 My boys!!

 You can barely see the top of our mantal that has a bunch of wrapped and unwrapped books.  Through all of December, the kids got to pick out a wrapped book that we would read before bedtime.

 One of our sweet customers at Izzy's got the girls these dolls, which they loved.

 Christmas morning brought all the usual fun (and packaging).  Our family is very blessed and I think the kids really embraced the joy of GIVING this year.

 A true sign it is Christmas........Cheyenne is taking a nap on the bed with Odie, lol!

 Me with all my kids!!  Still in bed!

 It was so fun having Carol with us for Christmas.  It was fun for her to enjoy Christmas through the eyes of the children again.

 Christmas afternoon we played some games.  We got a few games this Christmas that we so much fun.  Telestrations and Bubble Talk were our favorites.

 One night, Carol put rag curlers in Peyton's hair.  It was SO CURLY the next day.

 Peyton keeps pecking away at the piano.

 Deaven and Odie dancing.

 Merry Christmas from the Hayes family.  Our crazy little family is crazy in love.  I can't believe how fast the time is flying by as our kids grow up.

 Peyton's favorite gift was a nice microphone to practice her singing.

 Deaven got a Teenage Survival box of goodies from Santa, including fun things such as ITunes gift cards and such, but also needed items, like deodorant and his first cologne.

Odie is a huge part of our family these days.  We love him to bits and he's worked out to be the perfect dog for our family.  He's a very good boy and we all love on him all day long.

It was a great Christmas in our home.  We are truly grateful for the Savior's birth and all the stories from His life that inspires us to try to be better.