Christmas Season Activities

We had a busy December - full of church activities, doctor visits, present openings, and game playing.  

I captured this at church one evening. He looks so innocent and sweet here.  

Jackson went to see his favorite dentist in December. He did so good - got extras and cleanings and everything!  

Of course when it's your aunt, you're a little more willing to be good at the dentist.  

This year, we had the Norris family christmas in Bryant at my parents' house.  The weather was so nice, so we put the bouncy house for Jackson, Jordyn and Cade to jump in.  They had a blast playing together.  

One tradition that we've had for years is to read the Christmas story in Luke 2 before we open presents.  It reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate present and why we are so blessed as a family.  This year Beth read the story.  

Lucy provided a lot of entertainment.  She was the new thing this year.  

Pops and his grandbabies.  He'll have one more in his lap next Christmas. 

Ma and her great grandchildren - Cade, Lucy, Jordyn, and Jackson...and little Haywood will be with everyone next year.  

I love taking selfies with Lucy. 

Dad, Ma, Uncle Sluggo, Aunt Snooks

That night, we had our Lifegroup party.  These people are our second family - we love them all dearly.  And of course when we play games, there's no telling what will happen.  

These are my Awana kids - 2nd graders and they're ALL girls.  

This is Jackson's Christmas party at school.  They wore their Christmas PJ's and had lots of yummy treats.  

We've played lots of games in December.  Jackson got a Hungry Hungry Hippo-like game and he loves it.  

Until he loses.  We've had a few lessons on how to be a good sport.  

We were glad to have Gamma here with us during Christmas.  

Getting a family portrait is so hard sometimes.  

One tradition that we've done the past couple of years is go have dinner at All Aboard (the train place) and go see the lights at the Capitol.  There used to be a lot of decorations to see at the state Capitol, but there really wasn't much this year.  It was a little disappointing honestly.  Hope they improve soon.  

Branson Getaway before Christmas

In November, we went to Branson to see the Christmas lights.  It was a lot of fun, but very cold that extended weekend.  We went to Dixie Stampede, the outlet mall, and of course Silver Dollar City.  We also spent the afternoon with my aunt and cousins for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. 

Me and my cousin Michelle.  We're the same age and had so much fun growing up together.  Lots of giggles and playing. 

Lucy decided she would be really cute by sitting up.  

Jackson had fun playing with the bigger kids - Landon and Grace are 10 and 11, but played so good with him.  He even petted the dogs! 

Making paper airplanes with cousins. 

Sweet Lucy in her turban and boots. 

The first night we were there, we went to Dixie Stampede.  It was OK, but Jackson was probably not old enough to truly appreciate the experience.  

On Friday, we went to Silver Dollar City.  I have lots of good memories from here, and I'm excited to share this tradition with Jackson.  

Mimi was the first person to get to ride with him.  It was hilarious to watch. 

Then I rode the butterfly.  It was not comfortable, but I did it.  We were also afraid the temperatures were going to drop below 32 and they would shut down the rides.  

Daddy got a turn on the elephants.  

We watched Frosty the Snowman...in the freezing cold.  

By the time we made it to Santa's village, it was around 6-7 p.m., and people were clearing out of the park.  It could be because it was bad cold, but there was no lines in waiting for Santa.  I couldn't believe that he actually sat on his lap and smiled for the camera.  

Lucy thought the elf was funny.  

But Santa, not so much. 

We attempted family photos, and I think they turned out pretty good.  There was some ridiculiousness going on behind the camera though.  

Cousins - Lucy was 5 months, and Jackson was almost 3 1\2. 

Can't wait to go back to Branson when the weather is warmer!