My Big Helper

We were getting ready to go somewhere. Elise was already all buckled into her car seat.
I was running around grabbing something last minute when I heard her start to cry...
"Isaac," I called. "Can you please give Elise a toy to make her happy?"
He said, "Yes!"
But then Elise's screaming got louder.
I hurried downstairs to find this scene...

Poor girl! Sweet boy!!
He sure was trying to help... he just started grabbing toys and cramming them into her car seat.

Don't worry - I immediately rescued Elise.
But I just have to say that I love my sweet Isaac!
He is such a big helper and he loves Elise so much and tries so hard. :)
Too cute.

Elise and Luke in their Christmas Sunday Best

After Church on December 26th we decided we just had to take a photo of cute Elise and Luke in their darling "Christmas" outfits. It proved to be more challenging than we had anticipated!
These are the best 2 shots that I got of the two of them together.

So we decided to try some of each kiddo separate... here's beautiful Elise:

And the future heart-breaker Luke:

These Johnston families sure do make cute kids, if I do say so myself. :)

Christmas Morning: New Camera Lens

For Christmas I got a Canon 50 mm f/1.8 lens!
I am so excited about it! It should be a high quality lens that will (as I learn more) help me take much better close up photos. Anyway, I busted it out Christmas morning to rounded up a few "test" subjects. I think the photos speak for themselves about the fun that was had!

Amber:

Ally:

Jeremy?

What a nice(?) husband to take the time to let me practice on him!
At least he doesn't look like he got TOO bored.

But, let's end on a more pleasant photo. :)
Luke:

Hopefully I eventually really learn how to use this camera and can take gorgeous photos of the BEAUTIFUL people in my life.

Christmas Morning: The Helicopter

Christmas morning Blake and Cody both got remote control helicopters.
Isaac got a regular toy helicopter.
Here's the gang - oohing and awing over the flying helicopter.

And Isaac - noticing the flying helicopter.

Admiring the flying helicopter and then inspecting his own.

At this point he brings his helicopter to Jeremy and asks him to make it fly.
Instead of explaining that it doesn't fly (as I would have for sure) - Jeremy gets creative.
He ties dental floss around the propeller of the helicopter and "flies" it all around the house with Isaac!

It was a BIG hit!

Isaac loved his flying helicopter!

Christmas Eve: The Set Up

Once the kiddos were in bed - the adults started the official Christmas "set-up" routine. It was fun to be all together - WHAT a party! Sometimes it is great fun to be the "grown-up" instead of the "kid". :)

The boys contributed by playing the classic "throw candy across the room into each others' mouths" game.

Once the set-up was complete we played silent partner Rook, ate yummy treats, and talked and talked and talked... the 3 ingredients of the classic perfect Johnston family evening.

Travis - Ashleigh

Each family was designated an "area" of the family room for stockings. Then the family room entrances were completely wrapped - floor to ceiling. It was fun to wrap a room!

Elise's stocking:

Isaac's stocking:

Our little family corner:

And the Christmas tree with the nauseating hoard of presents in the living room.
Disclaimer: You have to remember that this was Christmas presents for 23 people!!

And ta-da! All of us were tired and exhausted, but happy and ready for Christmas morning to arrive and the joyful chaos to begin!!

Christmas Eve: Bells

Christmas Eve we busted out mom's "bells" or "chimes" that she brought with her from Snowflake. The chimes were numbered and we had music with the numbering included on it. I love this family!! It was so fun! We sang and clanged along to a bunch of Christmas songs and had a merry old time. :)

At first it really sounded loud and chaotic... but eventually we got the hang (and rhythm of it). But it was still REALLY loud. :)

It was a fun and festive Christmas Eve activity!

Christmas Eve: Hanging Out

After the photos we ate yummy food... (always a must!)and then did our favorite activity - we hung out some more!


Granny Jo - Luke - Elise

Michayla - Amber

Travis vying for favorite uncle by giving blanket rides.

Happy Isaac - Sterling - Ally

Healthy daddy playing with Elise...

Papa Keith and Granny Jo holding the babies.

My favorite Christmas tradition - making sugar cookies!

And decorating them with pure yumminess only makes the cookies even better!
Cody - Isaac - Blake

Natalie

The crazy Johnston Clan!

Me and sweet Elise.

After dinner and cookie decorating we played the bells, re-enacted the nativity story, sang Christmas songs, and got the kiddos to bed.
So wonderful to be with family during the holidays!!