Christmas at home

We wrapped up our holiday celebrations at home. It is our tradition Christmas Eve to get the kids in bed, make a fire and enjoy a cocktail while looking back at all the good things that happened since last Christmas. Patrick calls it our "trip around the sun" night. 

Still one of my favorite views - our snug at Christmas! 

Isaac, Anna and James waiting to rip down the Santa paper Christmas morning! 

That is a joyful face right there! 

Anna and her princess castle. As the little sister of two boys, her favorite part is the carriage - she pushes it around like a truck - including making the noises! 

Love being about to just spend the day together and playing. 

Christmas selfie! 

Hot wheels are entertaining at any age 

Daddy and Anna playing together 

The boys were even impressed with the castle! 

Ironman got some gloves --- pretty authentic if you ask me - I think he is hoping for "real" foot boosters next year :) 

It was a 608 Threads Christmas - loving our snuggly shirts and sweatshirts! 

Feeling very joyful and blessed - Merry Christmas! 

Christmas in Fond du Lac

Our holiday festivities continued in WI with the Ellestads! 

The kids know where to find the goodies and this year Landon gave out all kinds of "old" hats and books - the boys were thrilled with these gifts! 

11 couisins and counting! 

Lots of cousins up close and personal 

So cute 

matching hairdos on these grown up girls! 

Grandpa and Grandam are still all smiles even with 21 extra people in their home! 

Daddy and Anna 

Anna and Emmy - still sort of co-existing but starting to show interest in each other :) 

Anna and Mommy 

Emmy and her Mommy 

Isaac got this hat for night time exploring --- he was thrilled and grandpa thought he was silly! 

Patrick thought it was pretty fun too! 

As did Jimmy! 

Anna was content staying away from the hat and played with her pull frog - thanks for adding the handle Grandma! 

The Ellestad crew! 

Merry Christmas! 

Christmas in Kalamazoo

We celebrated Swenson Christmas in Kalamazoo this year and had a blast! 

Flannel jammies and Christmas joy travel well :) 

Stockings included some drones that fly and move direction when they get close to your hand or the wall. The kids thought this was awesome - made you feel like you have "the force" :) 

Somewhere on the box it said they could com-bust in the air - so the Ruble's elf played a trick and took the drones and left a pile of ash from the fireplace. 

Grammy thought it was funny too :) 

Jammie crew! 

With multiple kids looking at different things all at the same time, I love pictures like this - Jojo is so excited and Isaac has no idea why...! 

Anna and Ben opening Anna's tea set --- she was pretty excited too! 

TJ got a Badger shirt (and not from us!) Wanted to document it! 

Isaac and Ben doing science - so cute! 

Lots of rough housing and wrestling. 

Anna likes to get in on the action too with a raspberry from Uncle Ed. 

Santa came to visit and MOST of the kids were excited... 

James and Jojo on our new bunk beds --- there is a great story behind this - Corey surprised and delighted us with these after Thanksgiving and we are excited to take them all over the place for easy sleeping for the kids! 

Family photo - what a wonderful Christmas weekend!