Our little family had a LOT of great Christmas Celebrations this year.

Four down, one to go on Sunday!

Our first Christmas was held on Sunday the 21st in Mt. Ayr, Iowa at Clint’s uncle’s house.   We had a grab bag gift exchange, tons of snacks and Italian food.  It was a great evening, but shockingly, I didn’t take a single photo!   What’s wrong with me?!

Next up, Christmas Eve at my MIL’s house.   Debbie and Gaylen always out-do themselves with snacks, food, desserts, presents… the works.

 

I always have such a good time at their house, but this year seemed extra special for some reason.  The moods were light, the kids personalities were shining bright, the laughter was abundant, the food was delicious and the scattegories game was competitive.

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I think a nap almost even happened!

 

And Clint educated us all that Mountain Dew tastes extra special out of a tin cup.  Pinky’s up!

Oh that man… I do love him so!

We soon found ourselves leaving Christmas #2 for Christmas #3 at my Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Craig’s house.

But FIRST we stopped by my fathers house to drop off allllllllllll the Christmas candy Clint and I had accumulated over the last few weeks.   This year marked the second Christmas I wouldn’t see my dad for reasons out of my control, but I made my presence known with my gift of sugary treats and other baked goods.

Keith – you’ve been elfed.

Finally we made our way to the Goecker’s.    We spent the evening sipping on ice cold beer, snacking on what seriously could be the most delicious homemade bread I have ever had, chatting with my grandpa, grandma, aunt, uncle, cousins and a few other fine folks before we made our way back to Omaha at the midnight hour.

Christmas Eve left my heart full and overflowing with love and happiness.

 

Christmas Day.   Oh, what a day.  We started the morning opening presents with our little family of three.

Boy did we make a mess!

 

Care for a game of Where’s Champ?

 

 

We all fared well this Christmas.   Everything from Converse Chucks, remote control trucks, gym mats, truck parts, truck radios, camo, Canon Rebel T5i <—eek!!!, among other items.    We seriously go a little overboard, but we clearly have so much fun buying for each other.    We spent the latter part of the morning outside playing with the new toys, of course!

 

 

And a day wouldn’t be complete without Champ getting all up in someone’s business!

 

 

I let the boys continue playing outside while I made my way back into the kitchen.   Roasted brussel sprouts needed my attention, y’all!   Man, those things turned out great.  Simply take two bags thawed out brussel sprouts, throw in a 9×13 with 2 tbsp. olive oil, slice up some bacon and sprinkle over the top and roast at 350 for 45 minutes or 450 for 30 depending on what you’ve got cooking with it.  Highly recommend!

 

Soon we found my mom, step-dad, brother, Gr’ma and little Lucy knocking at our door!  It was so great to have them come up from Clarinda this year.  🙂

 

While making the last preparations for our late lunch I managed to set our stove on fire.  Like, legit, full on flames coming out of the back burner.  It was incredibly impressive and yet NO ONE took photos.  I must train these people better.

 

 

Good thing our new stove is getting delivered on Monday.   I’d say it’s about time to let that old bird go.

Once the kitchen was under control we indulged in turkey, potatoes, stuffing, roasted brussel sprouts, wine, champagne and tons of sugary treats.  It was pure bliss.

 

 

Next up: gifts.  I was so incredibly excited for my parents to open their gifts from us this year.   We wanted to do something special for each of them as they both deserved it.

Dave opening his stained glass starter kit!  ❤

Mom with her new porch swing! ❤

Gabriel hit the jackpot in the hat business.   I don’t think he will have any issues keeping that head of his warm.

The rest of the afteroon we spent playing with the new remote control truck, taking selfies and Clint harassing his son like only he knows how.

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We had such a wonderful Christmas.   I can only hope you did as well!

Cheers!  ❤