Christmas break post #1

We are so thankful that our training allows us a "college-like" Christmas break--we are able to spend so much time with our family and friends during these three weeks.  And we really MAXIMIZE our time here in Indiana...meaning, our break is simply packed.  But it is packed with a whole lot of fun!  And we think the fast pace is very worth it, as we will soon be moving back to Missouri to finish our training.  So we know our schedule will soon return to normal.

And really...we also have this lingering thought in the back of our minds...that just one year from now we will be heading overseas, away from our family and friends.  And at that time, we will be wishing for time to spend with family and friends--so we are just enjoying every moment that we get now!

So our hearts are full as we are here in Indiana.  Our kids have had lots of time with cousins...

And Uncle Aaron and Aunt Jill...

the annual scavenger hunt for stockings!

My dad continued the game tradition...here is the kids' favorite--Plinko!

Daisy thought it was pretty special to drink sparkling grape juice :)

We also have spent time with all of our grandparents...

Here are Layla and Daisy, displaying my grandma's beautiful pins that she used to always wear.  She gave them to all of the girls in our family this Christmas--it was pretty special :)

On Christmas day, we went to the nursing home where my grandma lives, to pass out plates of Christmas cookies.  It is such a neat tradition, and a really good experience for our kids!

that is Halle's doll, by the way!  Not Grandma's :) 

The newest Dolphins fan in our family :)

At the Steffen Christmas, the kids entertained themselves by having plank contests!  Ha...it was so cute!  Halle won--she did a plank for 5 minutes.  Her abs were sore for days :)

Kaine and Grandpa Dave, sorting football cards...

I love this pic of my bro-in-law, Kyle :)

Haha...Nathan's mom found some wigs on clearance after Halloween, so she wrapped one up for each girl.  Nathan enjoyed wearing it, too!

Layla and Daisy both got Boba carriers for their dolls--I LOVE seeing them wear their babies around!  So adorable!

Kyle gave Kaine all of his old Dolphins mementos--it made for one happy nephew!

Well, there is part one of our Christmas break!  I really regret not taking any pictures with Nathan's sister Jenna and her hubby, Adam--they were here for a week but returned to Mexico this morning.  Sigh.  Jen, we will have to remedy that in April :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well!