Belated Christmas Blog

I'm finally getting a Christmas blog done. We had a wonderful Christmas, but I have to admit I'm glad its over! The weather and constant changing plans along with crabby kids made Christmas a little less enjoyable at times this year, but we are so glad despite the weather and the 7 (plus us as a family) different gatherings we have to attend we got them all in (minus Evan missing my dad's side of the family which he was really bummed about, but its just how it worked).

Our first gathering (Saturday December 19th) was not really a Christmas party, but I think it counted as the Christmas gathering this year with Evan's stepdad's side of the family. The day started with Evan's sister Lauren graduating from college, lunch at Grille 26 to celebrate, and then to our house to celebrate Uncle Roger's (David's brother) birthday and "Christmas". We don't get to see this part of the family very often so it was great to catch up with them and meet the newest addition to the family Addison!

The newest cousins and their mommy's.

Being crazy with Auntie Em

Our second gathering was with the Schaap's (Evan's mom's side of the family). This took place on Sunday December 20th at Grandpa and Grandma's house and was a lot of fun like always. Unfortunately, I turned my camera on to take a picture of Makenna and then my battery died....so this is it...if anyone else has photos I'd take them!

My one and only picture from this gathering, but isn't she cute?!

#3 took place at Evan's mom and stepdad's farm on December 22nd. This was a quick change in date due to the weather; we were supposed to celebrate Christmas day night. Some how Kim managed to put together an amazing meal in a very short amount of time! We were glad we celebrated then as we wouldn't have made it on Christmas day.

Probably Denver's new favorite book...Big Truck Book!

I got a dolly Mommy, but I really like this paper I'm chewing on too!

Opening a present with daddy.

Denver coloring with his new "colors" (and they're messy too!) on his (and Kenna's too) new picnic table from Grandma and Grandpa

On December 27th we celbrated Christmas #4 and #5 with my mom's side of the family and my immediate family. We had Christmas with the Schmeichel's at Grandpa Melvin's house. It was a lot of fun to go back and have a meal there again...its been a long time. After we were done with our meal and gift exchange the grandkids had to go downstairs and sort through old toys and other things to decide what we wanted to keep and the rest was going! Denver's best "Christmas gift" came from this endeavor, aunt Kim and mommy's old Mattel train set. This was funny because on the way home from Church on Christmas Eve I said to Evan..."all this little boy wants is a train and we didn't get it for him, how sad!". Then the chaos Christmas' began at my mom and dad's! It will be interesting next year with 4 kids!

My only picture from this gathering (the Schmeichel's) too. My only excuse of this is laziness and my sister was taking some so I hopefully can get some from her! Let's go play with my new train at Papa and Grama's house!

Helping cousin Jacob opening his gift!

Now helping Grandma...opening presents is so much fun!

Grandpa helping Kenna open up her present.

Jacob riding Denver's new giraffe.  I was busy when Denver was on it, so you get the next best thing my cutest nephew ever, Jacob!

Playing train with my Papa!

Christmas #6 was December 21st in the afternoon, which was rescheduled from Saturday. Unfortunately, Evan had to work; he had hoped to be able to take a half day, but due to the wonderful weather over Christmas they were swampped and it just wasn't an option. My aunt and her sons also had to miss out...and we missed them too! It was great to see everyone else though.

When we got to this Christmas Denver said "Pictures...then presents" and ran to sit by the tree for a picture.  Too cute!

A rare moment with Great Grandma Waltner.  Denver must know how badly Grandma wants to hold him and plays tricks with her.  I'm so glad that he took the time to snuggle a lit bit and let me get a picture!

Finally....getting to help people open presents!

Mommy and Kenna

Hmm...that family grew fast! :)  My cousin Angie and her boyfriend Nathan with the kids.

Playing with Aunt Kim

My cute nephew Jacob!

December 22nd was our final Christmas, Christmas #7 and it was with Evan's dad's side of the family. Unfortunately Evan's dad was not able to spend Christmas with us due to the weather and cold, but thankfully we had just gone to see him about a week or 2 earlier. This was actually the 2nd Kindt Christmas this year, but we only made it to this one. The first one was supposed to be Christmas Eve, but got moved ahead a night due to the weather. We tried to go, but due to a stressful day for both Evan and I, and the weather and roads getting worse by the hour we ended up turning around and coming back home, so they scheduled another Christmas so we could come!

Opening presents!

Aunt Cherie showing everyone how Denver's new gun works! :)

"I'm gonna get that deer!"

Great Grandpa Pootsie and Makenna

Grandma Billie and Grandpa Pootsie with the little grandkids and the great grandkids

(for some reason us olders ones don't matter anymore...wonder why?) :)

Although the weather that greeted us this Christmas season was frustrating, it also helped slow us down with our gatherings and gave Evan and I more time to take in the real meaning of Christmas. We tried teaching Denver the true meaning of Christmas, but he didn't get it...maybe next year? We hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Christmas and had time to reflect on Jesus' birth and God's promise to us!