Cousins - Outtakes (Hopefully someone got a good one!)

Christmas V and VI...and other fun stuff

OK, so these were more than just Christmas visits. For several reasons, this year our Christmas was extended by nearly a month!

We celebrated Dad's birthday and Christmas with Jodi and Cody earlier in January. We played some cards and enjoyed the tasty cake Jodi brought.

We almost did not get to go to Iowa since this is just a glimpse of the massive snowfall that caused havoc across the Midwest. Sammy would run to the top of that drift and she looked like the king of the hill!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!


We were finally able to make it to one of the Viking basketball games! Kailey was much more attentive this year, which was fun. I like to yell sometimes (good things) and Kailey asked me, "Who's Defense?"


Last weekend we finally headed up to Sioux Falls for Christmas with the Brunings and to meet my new niece. We had a great time with them!




Tired little girls cozied up :)


Couldn't resist - my mom and my new niece! The color is a little off because I didn't want to use the flash.

I keep trying to convince Kailey that Christmas is over, but since it lasted about two months she doesn't really get it! Today she asked where Santa Claus is. I said he is at the North Pole and will be there for a very long time!

Update from Us

So I'm finally getting to Christmas posts. See several below.

Hope it was a special time for you as well!

Christmas III and IV

My Dad was able to make it thru the snow late afternoon Christmas Day. We were all excited to see him! We exchanged gifts, and of course Kailey had to help him open his.

And then she moved on to her own gift!

(see pic later)

Kailey and I made supper for us


Here is the adorable gift - a pillow pet! He is a zebra that un-velcros and becomes a pillow. He is so soft and cuddly.

Kailey always loves to use the camera :)

Kailey and Grandpa played picnic before he left. They have pretty elaborate meals!

Then Grandma Becky came to celebrate. Kailey first opened this puppy, Pinky, who flips and yips and is so soft. She was just as excited as if it were a real live dog!

Once again, Kailey helped Grandma open her gifts.

And then continued on with her own!

We heard the story of Christmas and Baby Jesus' birth. Kailey tried to keep all the characters straight!

Thanks everyone for a great weekend! In spite of the weather, we made it work. So glad you made the trip.

Christmas II

For the first time ever, we were home Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. With the crummy weather and some other factors, there wasn't much to do about it. We enjoyed our time together!

Most churches cancelled Christmas Eve services, but our 5 p.m. service was held. Since we live so close, we were thrilled. Here are some pictures from our drive to and fro...

Christmas morning arrived shortly after! Kailey slept in, which was awesome :) She opened her gift from Santa first - a Snow White apron and some cooking utensils. She also opened a few things from Mommy and Daddy.

Christmas I

Our first Christmas celebration was with the Paulsens. We had a great time, and Kailey really started to get the hang of this gift thing. She helped nearly everyone open their gifts!

Grandpa Riessen

Aunt Amy

Grandma and Grandpa

And of course she had plenty of gifts of her own to open!

She even waited patiently (once!) for her turn

Brent, Holly, and Sophia

The girls - squirrly already!

The next morning, we headed to church, then took some pictures after.

I'll explain this one - Diane is getting married this fall, and she tried on her mom's wedding dress. There was also a dress for a little girl up there, and Kailey loved dressing up!

We really enjoyed spending time with everyone! Thank you all!

Merry Christmas!