the Skibness Family: With Love from Our Family to Yours

Merry Christmas 2015

We made it another year! This year was even more amazing than last year ~ Growing up, I remember loving Christmas and not quite understanding how adults could enjoy it as much as I could...well, now I know. As an adult, as a parent, Christmas is so much more enjoyable (don't get me wrong, it is a heck of a lot of work, but much more enjoyable) ~ We get to enjoy the holiday through the eyes of our children.

Isabelle Grace
Zoe Elizabeth, Cecilia Hope

This year the girls figured out who Santa was - they walk around in their dollar store Santa hats, pat their bellies and say "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

They do not, however, understand that Santa bring presents, watches all year, etc. I figure this will be our last year with that luxury but it's ok. Remember, the girls really have no idea what a store is - they have never been to one. Zoe has explored the Scheels in Rochester on one of her solo trips, but that is all.

Cecilia, Zoe, Isabelle & Carson

So this year Adam and I (along with the family) all splurged and the girls were incredibly spoiled!! They received new tricycles, books, clothes and more from Grandpa Mark and Grandma Jan! New easels, Disney dolls, play dough and tools, along with coloring mats, markers, and more from Auntie Amy, Uncle Bobby, Brady and Carson. A new slide and outdoor activity center from Popa Tom, Grandma Jamie and Great-Grandma Carol. Great-grandma Carol also got the girls a dancing minion and their very first Care Bears! Pretty new clothes from Auntie Belle, Uncle Jason and Jaxon.

Zoe, Cecilia & Isabelle
Would you like to come over and play?

Santa brought them new costumes (a ladybug, strawberry, owl, dragon, tiger & monster), new clothes in their stockings, new books to read, and a dollhouse and a play house (the door bell even rings).

They were spoiled with love by others from far away too ~ new dress up clothes from the Dugans; an outdoor play house from Aunt Robbin, Uncle Jeff & Maxim; a new book and Christmas pajamas with tutus from Laurie, Nathan and Dylan; bathrobes and toys from Miss Erika; an easel from Na Na Cole; awesome workout leggings from Miss Courtney; big girl sweatshirts from Miss Savanah; art supplies and more from Miss Nikki; new books and a Mickey/Minnie/Pluto Little People set from Miss Lilly (our newest addition to the nanny family); build a tent kits from Miss Vicki Cichanofsky and family; new books from Miss Alissa; and so much more.

We are incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people in our family and village.

The holiday has never been about presents or material things ~ for us it is always about family, faith, hope and love. Our family has been through an incredible amount and we are stronger for it. We somehow were able to maintain our faith and belief that everything would be okay. We never gave up hope and we still continue to hope for the best for everyone. And through it all, the constant factor, love. We love with all our hearts ~

Miss Madison was missed more than I can say, but she was with us. We had brilliant rainbows on Christmas morning and she was perched at the top our a Christmas tree ~ our perfect angel.

We hope each and every one of you had a fabulous Christmas felt the blessings all around you ~ No matter what happens in this world, you are loved. Thank you for loving us.