My sister Carol and her family were able to come up from Nebraska to celebrate Christmas with us. I always look forward to a week of shopping with my sister and Mom, going swimming with all the kids, and playing games with them. Just a side note - Joshua absolutely KILLED us at Monopoly this year! I demand a re-match!
Mom spoils us with delicious meals throughout the week and has her freezer (and garage!) stocked with peanut butter balls and kiss cookies! Amaya especially enjoyed the ham, cheese potatoes, lasagna, and baked potato soup.
In previous years, we've had the grandkids open presents first, and then the adults open after they're done and occupied with their new toys. This always seems to work well and keeps the chaos to a minimum.
Grandma and Grandpa Gustafson with the eight grandkids (the Springer's will be adding one more in March!).
Our theme this year should have been the American Girl Christmas. A new American Girl store opened at the Mall of America - a danger to our nieces!
I love this picture! Annika is very carefully adjusting her American Girl's bonnet, Lydia is patiently waiting to open another present, and Jordan and Ben look like they're figuring out a plan for Jordan's Legos.
Grandma and Grandpa gave Amaya a new baby with HAIR! My hair FINALLY gets a break from being pulled and now she can pull her own baby's hair.
Can you say SPOILED?!?
Amaya LOVED all the attention she received from Joshua, Jordan, and Hannah. She especially loved giving them all kisses!
See?!? Amaya's already checking out Hannah's lips!
We had an absolute blast with everyone! We just wish the time hadn't gone so quickly. Amaya enjoys looking at the pictures of all of her cousins on the fridge and points to Joshua, Jordan, and Hannah and says, "Uh? Uh?" Translation: WE MISS YOU!! Thanks for helping to make this a memorable Christmas!