YODER YEARS: ABBLITT CHRISTMAS

Alright...this is your warning. It is a BIG post. Most of the pictures/videos from a week in Florida are included here. Too many good memories to leave any out! But, the good news is that I am officially caught up on 2009.

LONG CAR RIDE CAUSES LOSS OF BONKERS

The girls have been traveling since they were babies. And they have always been very good travelers! But, this was a late night after a long day in the car...they got a little nutty.

We all made it....

Abblitts/Kouns/Yoders

BROOKLYN "SPEAKS BIRD"

My girls do not understand that birds are not to be trusted. They are nice enough when locked in a cage or outside minding their own business. But, this parrot is allowed to get out of the cage and at times will fly around the house. I learned at an early age to stay clear of birds. Pop andGma Kouns have always had tons of diffent animals...dogs, cats, parrots, roosters, racoons...get the idea? Well, the rooster attacked me while I was in their backyard when I was little. Hence my fear of birds!

SPECIAL TIME WITH GRANDMA

PROJECTS WITH AUNT TAMMY & UNCLE KIMO

Decorating the Purple tree with pink lights...

could Aunt Tammy have found a more

appealing Christmas tree for the girls???

Uncle Kimo helping the girls finish working

on the Palm Tree Reindeer decorations. So cute!

FRIENDS & KIDS

Laura is my girlfriend from high school who now lives in Pensacola. She came over with her almost two year old, Miles. It was a great time catching up with my friend. It never feels like any time has gone by even if we haven't talked in months. Love her!

Brooklyn, Alex and Miles

SANTA AND PJ'S

Every year, Santa knocks and runs on Christmas Eve night...leaving a bag for each of the girls. And it is always PJ's to wear to bed to fall asleep fast so Santa can come and leave the rest of the goodies to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Bed time story from Grandma Abblitt

CHRISTMAS MORNING

First thing after waking up...looking over

the goodies and wondering when everyone else

is going to wake up.

The Girls

Uncle Rob (Dad's Brother) requested I read a special

letter he sent from Oregon for Mom and Dad in

front of the rest of the family.

Brooklyn & Alex made this Cinnamon Stick

wreath for Grandma Abblitt

Princess Dresses from Gma & Pop Abblitt

Pop K playing Alex's new drum set

Make-up time with Maigan

Opening presents from Kimo & Tammy:

"The Bestest Softest Shirts Ever"

SHRIMP BOIL

We had a delicious shrimp boil one afternoon...whole shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes...all the good stuff. Well, I'm pretty sure this was the first time my kids have seen "whole" shrimp. When we eat them in Iowa, they are all nicely cleaned up and ready to eat. So the girls learned how to pull the heads and shells off and enjoy. Then, the whole head turned into finger puppets, antennas from the heads turned into floss, the eyes just turned into a way to gross everyone out!

MUSIC TIME
Maigan (Archer's girlfriend) & Aric

Andrew

Maigan, Dad and Aric

Aric, Cindy (Aric's girlfriend) and Alex

Maigan (cello), Dad (bass), Aric (guitar),
Pop K (chord harmonica), Andrew (guitar)

Pop Kouns: To those who don't know, below is

a picture of a miracle! Almost two years ago my

grandfather was VERY sick and doctors were not

sure he was going to make it. Now....look at him go!
Absolutely Amazing!

Warm up for "I need you, Jesus"

Alright, they got it....go...nope, another warm up.

Pop Kouns wanted in on the "jam session"

LATE NIGHT = GAME TIME
When the kiddos head to bed it is time to break out the games. Normally, we play a dice game called "10,000" but tonight we played "Mad Gab". Mom, Aunt Tammy, Uncle Kimo and Pop Kouns all stayed up late to hang out and play. What a great family bonding time!

Yes, Uncle Kimo is holding an ostrich head...don't ask!

Getting the teams organized

Pop Kouns giving the clues

"Good-night" as only Pop K does :)

"HEAD WRESTLING"

This is a name coined by my brother, Aric. At least I think it was Aric...Scott and I were not there to witness this. The girls were sent out to tell everyone goodnight and then come back to the room to pray and get tucked into their sleeping bags. Well, in the process of giving goodnight kisses...they started pushing on each other with their heads. I don't know??? Sister silliness from lack of naps and late bed times???