Christmas with the Hastings in Arkansas

annual group picture

Stephen

Sarah

she loved the socks!

Andrew

Seth

Kayla

Nathan

Luke

Alissa & Erica

Hagestings!

Getting together is always a great time! The 10-hour drive is worth it! We didn't really have any snow to play in but found many things to do. Although, we were glad the weather was good when it was time to drive home. :))
We will be visiting again as soon as possible - we don't need a holiday or a reason!
Love, Shelly

Christmas!! =))

the look says it all!!

underarmor!

the boots were from Alissa & Kayla

Tenth Avenue North - very good band

small ESV Bible - the "go anywhere" size

stuff for cooking - always a big hit!

the "perfect" book for Kayla - thoughtfully given by the sisters

praying for the world!

poster for Alissa's wall - gift by the sisters

perfect look for the perfect gift - ear muffs for gun shooting

a "bling" belt

video camera for the film minor!

it's been a great read so far!

relaxing!

styling!

nice table for a nice day and nice dinner

busy day!

Well, our day was wonderful. This year it was just our family.....not many more of those left! There were lots of really sweet gifts given in honor of Jesus' birthday. What an awesome way to celebrate. We hope your day was full of the people you love to celebrate the best gift ever - Jesus!
Shelly

Christmas with Bret's family in West Columbia

Jenny with Avery

cooking, a busy pastime with 18 people in the house!

Randall with Avery

playing "Catch Phrase" - obviously very intense game!

I LOVE Randall!

our annual shot of the whole crew!

We all were able to gather the weekend before Christmas at Bret's mother's house in West Columbia. We know the days are coming quickly when not all of us will be able to make it because we are expanding quickly - but so far we have at least been able to all meet and celebrate the holidays together. I am so thankful for that. And I hope we will be able to continue the tradition for many years to come. We all had a fun time! We exchanged white elephant gifts and it was as interesting as usual. :))
Merry Christmas everyone!
Shelly

December Kountze Progress Show aka catching up!

it sure is beautiful early in the morning!!

practicing

show time!

We went to this show in Kountze (about 20 minutes) on December 11th. It was really good because she learned a LOT. But she also won 1st place!!! We will be going to 2 local shows 2 weekends in a row in February. We are looking forward to learning, winning and enjoying each others company as well as seeing some of the same folks we see at each show. Just another day in the country. =)
Shelly

Flashback Friday

so tiny!

bath time!

first show!

my, how we have grown!!

WOW, she has really grown a LOT over the last 10 months! She has been an enjoyable challenge!
Shelly

Decorating the Tree!

some of the ornaments

more ornaments

Traditional pan of fudge! YUM!

unusual shot of ornaments

not sure why the celebration.....

I like it!

we win!

Well, last night we were all able to be together and decorate our tree! What a nice family evening it was. It is always so fun every year to unpack the ornaments because we buy them from so many different places. They remind us of different family trips or a special place we went. Many of them are gifts from relatives and we enjoy remembering their love for us. The fudge is always a great help in all the fun......I guess that's why the group pictures are always so crazy! We wouldn't have it any other way! Merry Christmas!
Shelly