It's the most wonderful time of the year

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone already.  It was such a fun time for our families.  We had lots of fun throughout the holidays.  I enjoyed an ornament swap with my bible study girls.  We also had such a fun time at the Arnold's annual Christmas party.  It was fun to spend some time with lots of old friends from Oakland (the first school that I taught at) at Mrs. Behrendt's house. This year, I decided to make cinnamon rolls to take to friends.  This was the first time I had ever made dough with yeast.  It went well and I think they turned out good.  I look forward to improving them as the years go by. I have already found a new and improved cream cheese icing for next year!  Matt and I had fun delivering and spending time at each house. We enjoyed lunch with Matt's cousins. Then the time had come..... We enjoyed a candle light service at St. Mark with Matt's mom and dad and then we headed to Marcie's for a Christmas Eve dinner.  Christmas morning Matt's family came over for brunch.  I wanted to do something a little different so we had shrimp and grits, ham biscuits, strawberries, cinnamon rolls and quiche.  It was so much fun.  I love pulling out my china and silver and making it special each year.  We visited for a while, took a nap, and then headed to my mom and dad's house for Christmas there.  We ate ALOT and then we started opening presents.  We really enjoyed Christmas, but I hated to see it go.  Then on Friday, we headed to Charleston to have Christmas with Matt's brother's family.  We certainly enjoyed our visit and enjoyed downtown Charleston as well.  How thankful I am that we have a reason to celebrate.  How thankful I am that Jesus left his throne in heaven to come and die a sinner's death just to save me (and you!!).  Here are some of the pictures to enjoy. 

 

 Even got Matt to help roll some rolls!

Ready for delivery!!

Christmas Eve

Ready for bed!!

Brunch

 We got daddy a Richard Petty driving experience.  He gets to ride in a racecar for 3 laps.  I think he liked it!!

 George is going too!!! (In fact, all the boys are going for a ride).  I can't wait to see their faces!  George couldn't believe it.  Matt is pretending to be the driver. YIKES!!

 Matt's new BB gun

Charleston

Harrison and Gray play violin.  They performed for us so they could get extra credit.  I must say, they are good!!

 Matt and Campbell.  This was just before we decided to play Just Dance on the Wii.   I only had videos of that.  It was quite funny!