4 of 5 Christmas' down...

The weekend of Christmas we traveled to Thief River Falls to Shane's families for the many celebrations.  I was fortunate to get off early Christmas Eve and we made it to Shane's Grandma's and Grandpa's for supper.  The house was packed with family as always. Its fun for the little ones to play with their bigger cousins.  They always do the traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, ect.  It was delicious as always.  There is a lot of talent in the family, so there was the annual "Christmas Program" put on by some of kids and a few adults.  A few of them sang, played piano and guitar.  Shane's uncle Rolland sang us a song while playing guitar. I love to listen to him sing.  We got Tyler to sing "Away in the Manger" while his cousin, Hannah, played piano for him.

He didn't face us or sing really loud, but I was pretty proud of him for singing.  I tried to get him to say his part he did in the Christmas program, but didn't want too.  I sort of told him he had to do this before he could open his presents.  I suppose it was bad of me to do that.   After the program we tried to get the kids to take pictures with Great Grandma and Grandpa, but I didn't have great success with getting a good picture.  Hopefully some one else did.  Oh well I guess a candid shot is better than nothing. 

When we got back to Shane's dads that night the boys got a plate of cookies and carrots and some milk ready for Santa and the reindeer.  I am so happy Grandma Jeanne bought Santa his (my) favorite cookies.  The Lofthouse sugar cookies with the thick frosting.  I am sure they were a hit with Santa. 

Tyler got a Nintendo DS with Monster Jam and Toy Story games and Collin got a Leapster 2 with Backyardagains and Diego games. 

It was so beautiful out Christmas morning.  When we got to Shane's mom and step dad's farm I had to take some pictures of the snow/frost covered trees. 

Shane's family prepared a really nice brunch.  Grandma Robin wanted to get the kids to take a picture in front of the tree before everyone opened all the presents.  We wanted the twins to open their wagon and then we would get a picture of the twins in the wagon with the big kids behind it.  Of course the wagon was in too many pieces to do that.  Collin had gotten upset so she let him open one of his presents so we could coax him to take a picture.  Of course he didn't cooperate very well.  His woody doll was a little distracting, but we all got a good laugh during all of this anyhow asking Collin to show is his woody. 

These two were just fun to watch them open their gifts this year.  They did pretty darn good for 10 month olds.  My kids didn't do so great at that age opening gifts.  Here are some pictures of them opening their wagon from Grandma and Grandpa. 

 Doesn't she just look excited here about her wagon she just got from Grandma.  Okay, maybe she is just having fun. 

They had the cutest outfits on too.

Our beautiful toothless niece, Jacey!  She was all dolled up for Christmas.

 

I think this game is fitting. 

My kids are really into games lately. 

Christmas night we had a great supper at Shane's dads house. It was lasagna/pasta night.  A few people brought a dish, salad or desert to share.   It was great to see grandmas, aunts, uncles and cousins on that side again.  Here is Tyler was buried in his gifts from everyone. 

Sunday morning, Grandpa Jeff brought the kids out for a snowmobile ride.  Collin, who freaks to get his snow pants on to go outside, got them on just fine when I told him that he had to wear them or he couldn't go.

Our 4th Christmas celebrations was with Shane's step dad Larry's side of the family.  Great Grandma Marian (Larry's mom) sends money every year for us to go buy the kids presents to open from her. 

Jaclyn enjoyed the Santa bears.  I so wish I would have kept all of mine from when I was little. 

Well I hope every one had a fabulous Christmas.  We sure did.  Now we have our 5th Christmas with my parents this weekend.  I hope the weather is kind to us.  I will be bummed if we can't get together.   I am not looking forward to rain and snow, that is for sure.