Christmas with John's Family

On Christmas Eve we spent the day at John's parents to celebrate Christmas.  Elsie spent the morning there with Bev, Brandi and the Girls while John and I ran to Ames for an appointment.  She had fun playing with her cousins and making the gingerbread house I bought for them to make.  I must apologize because I did not do a wonderful job of taking pictures this year.  

John and I arrived right around lunch time.  We opened our gifts, played for a little bit and then enjoyed lunch together.  Afterwards while Elsie was napping, we helped Bev get ready for the big family gathering that was happening later in the day.  

More dollhouse furniture

We got the girls these Viking headbands along with Vikings T-shirt...They changed into their shirts not long after I took this pictures :)  I'm glad to see they were excited about their gifts. 

Later in the day, John's whole family (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandma) came to celebrate Christmas.  

 

Cousin Julia and Uncle Denny

We do a gift exchange each year.  On Thanksgiving we draw names to see who we buy for.  This year we bought for Danny, Alex, and Denny.  

Elsie gift came from Jenny.  She received a Garden Themed Minnie Mouse with accessories and a Minnie Mouse book that she loves!  It is a Hallmark book.  It doesn't read to her but it will pick up on phrases we read and interacts.  My gift came from Katelyn.   I received a wonderful gift certificate for a massage from the girl who I normally go to and John received a new insulated coffee mug and lunchbox from Brandi.  

John's Grandmother also gives gifts.  Elsie got a Minnie Mouse hat that she put on right away and wore for the rest of the night.  She also received some fun Disney socks.  Evelyn also put together these files that had information, news articles, pictures, etc for all of her children and grandchildren.  It was really neat and something that will be treasured and fun to look back on.  

Christmas Celebrations-John's Family

We celebrate with John's immediate family the weekend after Christmas.  In the afternoon it was just Our family, John's parents and John's sister's family.  It was a great day!  After we celebrated together later in the afternoon/evening John's extended family came over and we were able to see his cousins who live in Ohio.  

Look at all those presents...we are all so spoiled :)  These weren't even all of them...

Elsie finally got into opening presents and wanted to open them all.  

Her new little popper 

I think these might be a little too big for you Emma :)

Trying to squeeze into the boxes

Elsie's present from Grandma and Grandpa-a wooden play kitchen.

All the cousins (well really they are the children on John's cousins)

Olivia with Daniel, Emma with Elsie, and Katelyn and Tommy

Someone is really excited about the summer sausage

Snuggling with Grandma before bedtime!

Graduation For Three

This past weekend we headed up to NW Iowa for John's cousins's graduation.  His Aunt Becky and Uncle Denny had three children graduation this year.  We had such a nice weekend visiting with family and seeing his Grandma Evelyn.  I think she could have held all day!   

Elsie and Grandma Ev

All Tuckered Out!

The three graduates:  Kyle, Julia and Patrick

Elsie and Bev's Cousin Barbie

Elsie with Cousin Kylee (Barbie's daughter)

 Elsie loved playing on the floor surrounded by all the big kids :)

 Cousin Danny all tuckered out!

Cousins!

Elsie so wanted to play with Danny but he was not having it :)  He was ready for his afternoon nap.  

It was such a wonderful weekend!!  Of course it was too short.   Elsie did a great job being away from home.  She struggled a bit with her naps but that has been happening at home too. I can't wait to get the family all together again.