This year was a little different for cookies for Santa. Jaycee was old enough to partake in the fun this year. Was there going to be fights between Darren and Jaycee over frosting? You bet! Was there going to be fights over cookies? You better believe it! Would they get in to a tug-of-war over the sprinkles? You bet your babies butt! But, it was fun! I was left sweeping little microscopic balls of sugar afterwards but it was so cute to watch them decorate all the cookies. They each had a strategy for decorating. Darren was the faster you frost, the sooner you eat. Jaycee had a quite different approach. One little layer spread on the cookie, one heaping mound of frosting straight to the mouth. She wasn't very good at hiding the evidence. Darren and I are sure that these are cookies that Santa WON'T want to pass up! 
Everyone got their turn with Santa, including Michael. I can only imagine what he is whispering in Santa's ear. 
Darren patiently waited his turn. They started with the younger kids first then made their way to the older. Poor Darren actually shed a tear after he saw how many of his cousins got called by Santa before he did. I told him that Santa didn't forget him and that his turn would be called very soon. He perked right up, stood up and waited his turn with a smile on his face!
And then, it was his turn! Man was he happy to be sitting on Santa's knee! I don't even think he cared about the presents!
Here are a few shots of the kids enjoying one of their Christmas presents. CANDY! Thanks Santa! :) 
Aunt Misty had planned an art project for the kids to make and take home with them. They turned out so CUTE! I will definitely keep these around for years to come! Here are a couple pictures of the kids making theirs. Jaycee had some help from her cousin Madi but Darren being the big boy that he is did it all by himself!
He did so awesome! Aside from the mustache being placed under the mouth and only one eyebrow, I would have to say you would never know that a 4 year old did it! I am so proud of him!
As always there was lots of good food and of course dessert! You know Darren and Jaycee didn't pass that up! To them, dinner is just a stepping stone to get to the good part!
The kids always have so much fun whenever we are around family. Its nice break for them and a chance to get out of the house and do something fun and healthy (although the pictures above done agree on that healthy portion! :) The kids are lucky to have such a huge family full of older cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents that are always looking out for them, playing with them and just spending some good quality time with them as they grow. Cousin Madi is always helping out with Jaycee and volunteering to have her stay the night without talking to her mom first! She always cracks me up when she does that.
I love to mess with Kar! I am always trying to do something right as the person snaps the picture to see what we will get. This was one of my failed attempts. Still funny though!
And then moving on to this one! Kace! I don't get to see her as much as I would like to, but when I do, WATCH OUT! She is crazy and just too much fun!
And then there is my Grandma Jean. I tell you, the apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree. I think my family gets their sense of humor from her! It's no holds barred when it comes to my family and I think she is the root of that. See for yourself!
But I love her anyway! haha
My Grandpa is no different! He did magic tricks for the kids, okay actually the adults and it was hilarious!
Then my Aunt Cindy! For anyone that knows her, I don't have to say any more. For those that don't know her, all I can is that they are missing out! Like I said, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and when it comes to sense of humor, I think the apple bonked her on the head!
Jaycee and Darren just love her. I think it's because to them, she feels like one of the kids. She will get down on her knees and play with them, talk to them, make them laugh!
Here is me and Ash.
Here is Kace and Jaycee. (notice Jaycee with her cookie in hand! -told you they love dessert!)
And then me and my girls, some of them anyways. Aren't they all so cute?
And lastly, we have the stragglers. Or at least that is what I like to call them! You know the ones! The last ones to eat before the party ends. That's my Jaycee. Her dirty face is proof that this wasn't the first go round with the kitchen that night.
