Christmas with Family-Wisconsin

From Illinois we headed up to Wisconsin to visit with Josh's brother's family.  We are so thankful that they are so close to my parents and only wish we could have gone even further north to visit his sister's family.
 

At the Christmas Eve practice

Her turn will be soon!

Mara checking out her cousin

Wisconsin brought relaxation.  I know my sister is reading this now and laughing but it really did.  Sure kids running around isn't everyone's idea of relaxation but I really enjoyed just hanging at the house with them and being lazy most days.  We had no expectations of the trip and just really wanted to visit with family.

Ginger finds a new home

Pick me!!

Scarlett 

While we were there, Wisconsin got about a foot of snow.  It was beautiful to watch it come down and I was just thankful that we didn't have to be out there driving in it.  Josh helped Caleb shovel while the kids donned their snow gear for a day outside.  A huge change from our fifty degree weather here in North Carolina!

This guy never fails to crack me up

Mara checks out her new doll

One of my favorite days was when we got to see the kids practice for their Christmas Eve service.  The entire school was singing songs and reading scripture to perform that night.  Although we weren't there for Christmas Eve it was nice to get to "preview" the show.

Love this for Mara's room

Carrie hangs Mara's handprint ornament

After their practice we headed to a local humane shelter to pick up two early Christmas presents.  Kitties!  It was so sweet seeing the girls so excited about their new pets.  Hopefully Scarlett and Ginger will make a great addition to the Bast family.

It was early.  Don't mind the pjs.

Shoveling

Overall we had a great time in Wisconsin.  We are so thankful that we were able to go up and visit with Caleb, Carrie and the kids.  It was nice to be a part of their little family Christmas.