Barntsen Christmas 2010

Another great Christmas in Coucil Bluffs! Tom and I arrived a full day before everyone else, so it was nice to have some time with his parents and sleep in in our comfy new bed (like Greg and Nat, Tom's parents bought a king-sized bed that WE get to sleep in now! We're so spoiled!) They also redecorated a bedroom in their basement, so it was like staying in a luxury hotel suite, but the bathroom was across the hall *smile. I can certainly deal with that. We relaxed and ate and chatted and enjoyed the calm before the louder family members everyone else arrived the next day.

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Grant waiting very patiently to open his gifts...

 
Princess books!

Princess dolls!
Brooke carried them ALL around the entire weekend, except of course when they were "sleeping."

Uncle Tom and Iron Man watching tv.

One day shy of 28 weeks on Christmas Day.

Next Christmas will be a whoooole lot different for us.

In a good way.

But it was something I thought about a lot this year...

We couldn't leave Leo out! (And just in case you are wondering, he travels well

and doesn't mind the 6 hour drive. Well at least not that he indicates.)

Watchin' a movie with Papa.

They grow up so quickly! *tear.

(Brooke is 2.5 and Grant is 5)

Greg's and my contribution to the FAB-ulous Barntsen Christmas dinner is the fettucini alfredo.

Stirring in the parmesan cheese!

Mmmm...perfectly cooked beef tenderloin with bearnaise sauce, fettucini alfredo, fancy salad and warm rolls.

Fill.up.my.plate.

Natalie's parents, Al and Linda, usually join us for the delicious dinner. They're family afterall. Love them

The princesses were sleeping, but now they're awake.

Another great thing about Council Bluffs is that my sister is only 30 minutes away in Omaha! Yay!

So she, Robert and Weston were able to stop by on Sunday to see everyone for a bit.

And try out Weston's new sled from the Sinclair family Christmas, of course. He went down the hill allll by himself, whether he wanted to or not *smile.

Squish!

The hill looks "small" but try going up and down it a few times.
You'll get a workout in for sure.

Greg giving Tom a little extra speed.

There he goes!

Sisters are the BEST.

Love this guy more every day...

7 months pregnant and still sledding. No big deal.

Ok, I must admit I only went down these two times *smile.

The bending to sit in all that gear and then walking back up the hill was hard work. But fun.

So sweet!

Mimi and Papa planned a "treasure hunt" for the kids this year. They had to follow clues to where Santa left them one last present. Dun dun dun....

Grant was just a tad thrilled with his new guitar (as you can see.)

Brooke starting her hunt. She didn't really know what was happening, but it was still fun.

Finding her new princess baby and stroller.

Can you tell she's on a princess kick right now?
Adorable.

What a wonderful 2010 Christmas. Tom and I both made sure to soak it all up and treasure the holiday with our families. As much as we love the food, games, laughter and spending time with our parents, siblings and niece and nephews, the most important thing is the birth of our Savior, who came to save us and give us eternal life with Him by ultimately dying on the cross for our sins. My sins. Your sins. The price has already been paid on our behalf. What an amazing thing! We just have to choose to accept and follow Him.

He provides, heals, restores, redeems, forgives, comforts, grants grace and loves us unconditionally.

What an amazing God we serve!

I hope your Christmas was just as blessed and that 2011 brings many wonderful things.

2010 Sinclair Family Christmas

We were with my family down in Ames, IA this past weekend to celebrate Christmas. We arrived Friday around 3:30 pm to Weston looking particularly dapper with his spiked hair. I love him and his craziness even though he basically wants nothing to do with his Aunt Sarah *smile. I can't be too offended though. He's at a stage where he doesn't really want much to do with anyone other than his mom and dad and any young kids who will play with him (like really cool older boy cousins who love cars and trucks and causing messes just like he does.)

Uncle Tom and Hayden got right to work on building a....jungle castle? Not quite sure what that thing was, but I know Weston knocked it down shortly after.

Scott, Nikki and Jacob arrived shortly after us and Jacob got right in there to check things out.

I did get some snuggles in before bed, I guess.

Weston and Hayden before bed - love their flannel pj's and robe. Kills me.

My family does a White Elephant exchange in addition to a normal $25 one. There were unused candles, lotion/potpourri, Christmas sweatshirts, racquets among several other items. Some were cooler than others, but hey - everyone needs a belt. Speaking of that, Brent was lucky enough to score several new belts along with some Christmas decorations (one of which was widely popular by all ages as you will see later...)

Dad got a new ISU "hat" and tie. I wouldn't want to sit behind that guy at a football game.

And Nikki received beautifully hand-painted glasses and a matching pitcher that she can't wait to find room for in her small kitchen use.

The boys opened gifts youngest to oldest...

Weston thought his new sled was pretty cool.

I like to sit on my gifts as I open them as well.

The beloved "fawn" that everyone wanted to steal from Brent....

It didn't originally come with the "crown."

There were games...

with some friendly brotherly competition...

And lots of jumping on air mattresses. Jacob is literally in mid-air close to landing on Weston in this one. No worries, no one was hurt. That badly.

Two of my fav people!

Lots of Sinclair babies in 2011!! So exciting!
Nikki is due June 26th, Becca is due April 23rd and I am due March 20th
I can hardly contain my excitement!! kajdflajjsdfflj;asjdfksjdkfjak

Noah (almost 10 - gasp) also gave us a short recital with his new viola. He's so good!

Breakfast time - watch out for sticky little boy fingers! Scott and Nikki make the BEST pancakes - YUM!

Hayden was so proud of his Legos that he put together ALL BY HIMSELF. And Noah reading in the background is so absolutely him right now. Love this picture.

2010 Sinclair Family Christmas Picture

I love those people.

We are blessed and God is good.