Beginning of January

January started off with SNOW!  We don't see the white stuff coming down very often so the kids love it. 

Three thumbs up for build your own pizza night for dinner. 

Harper had to do a "How To Project"to present to her 2nd grade class.  She chose to make chocolate chip cookies all by herself. 

Harper had her first ever dance recital and did great up on stage.

Her cheering section was big that day. 

Enjoying a Saturday morning snuggling in bed. 

Great Wolf Lodge Staycation

This year instead of having birthday parties for the kids with all of their friends we gave them the option to have a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge.  They choose this fun little night away and it was much easier than hosting 3 birthday parties.

 

"Birthday" cupcakes for everyone. 

After spending the afternoon at the indoor water park we ordered pizza and had fun in the hotel lobby with their evening activities. 

The next morning they were up early and ready for more water park fun. 

 

The kids had a blast and the adults were tired. 

Cutrell Family Christmas Celebration

One of my favorite days of the year is always when we get the entire Cutrell clan together for a Christmas celebration.  All of my cousins are now grown and have families of their own.  Lots of little cousins are so fun. We all got together on New Year's Day in Sulphur Springs at my Aunt & Uncle's house. 

Sweet cousins.....or 2nd or 3rd cousins.  Not exactly sure what you call them. 

Walker, Finley & Isaiah 

There is always a puzzle set out the we enjoy working on.

Crystal, Sarah, Melissa, & Rebekah

Levi & Brody are two peas in a pod.  

My favorite tradition is our re-enactment of the Christmas story.  We have used these same costumes since my cousins and I were all little (at least 30 years!).  Now our kids are the actors and it's so fun.

Getting all ready to go on stage.

Rex, Rebekah's boyfriend, even got in on the action and played the part of a donkey carrying Mary (Harper).  

Joseph & Mary getting ready to come on stage.  

Walker insisted on wearing the Wise Man crown but also insisted on carrying the Shepherd's staff.  Therefore he played both roles. 

There is always something funny that ends up happening during the play.  This year, Jay, didn't like the fact that his cousin was with his daddy so he decided to tackle her and take her off the "donkey". 

The full cast 

After spending the afternoon at Susan's we went over to see Mama Cutrell at her retirement home. We spent time singing Christmas carols around the piano.  

Such a sweet day with family.