Christmas x3

Christmas this year was full of traveling, but we visited both families, went to church and had Santa visit in a matter of four days. Yes, call us crazy but we wanted to see all family before I had surgery on the 28th and wasn't able to travel. Friday of Christmas we took off work and traveled to the Quad Cities to visit Bernie's family. We relaxed during the day before going to the Carsten's Christmas that night. The kids had fun playing with cousins and it was nice visiting with family we don't get to see often. Santa made a visit and brought the kids gifts which they loved. Saturday we woke and had Christmas with Bernie's family before heading back to Des Moines. Grandma and Grandpa Heidgerken provided a great Christmas as always. I scored with a crock pot with timer and a card table. I know call me old but its what I wanted! Bernie got Apple TV which he was very excited about! The kids got everything from toys to clothes and loved everything!

 Hudson's drums from G & G Heidgerken

 Paisley's ISU cheerleading outfit. So cute

 Hudson's got a shovel to help dad SCOOP snow!

 Little miss Tenley

We made it back to town just in time to change and head off to 5:00 pm church service at Lutheran Church of Hope. The kids did well during church considering they had just been in the car for 3 hours. Tenley only made it through half of the church service but thats understandable considering service was an hour and half. After church we headed home and prepared for Santa's visit. The kids were beyond exciting and lets just say the kids went to bed and fell asleep faster then ever known possible. Bernie and I did stay up until 2:00am as that is when Santa's workshop officially closed.

Christmas morning the kids were so excited to see the gifts Santa brought and that we got them. This year was so much fun as both Hudson and Paisley were in on the action. Tenley on the other hand just roamed around eating boxes and paper. Hudson got several Lightening McQueen things, Paisley dolls & barbies and Tenley some random toys. All in all the kids were spoiled this year as always and we are thankful for what we are able to provide for them.

 First shot of the morning

 One of his favorite gifts

 One of Paisley's favorite gifts

 Happy girl roaming around getting in on all the action

 Tenley's favorite toy

 Tree shot - I don't think any of the pictures were better then this one as I think the other ones Tenley started crying. Thats okay at least they let me take one.

After Santa gifts we packed the car and headed to Glidden for lunch at my Grandma Wenck's house. It was really special to be at my Grandma's house this year as my Grandfather passed away almost 2 years ago. I know it really meant a lot to my Grandma to have everyone there too. Its not very often to have all the grandkids there but the nice thing is we are all on the same holiday schedule so it helps during the holidays. After lunch at my Grandma's we went back to my parents for Christmas with my immediate family. The kids have so much fun playing with their cousins and of course opening gifts as they again were spoiled by Grandparents. Bernie and I also scored with another card table and a 6 foot table - again call me old but we have birthday parties, etc for the kids and never have enough chairs or table space so the gifts will be used by everyone! We are so very blessed to have such great families!

 Tenley with Aunt Jill

 Grandma with the girls

 Paisley & Kassidy with their dolls

 Family shot

 Girls and their new pajamas from G & G Wenck

 Boys with their new pajamas from G & G Wenck

 All the grand-kids minus Tenley who was sleeping

Monday was then Bernie's birthday. We spent the day doing some shopping, had lunch and then headed back to Des Moines for a relaxing evening. All in all a very successful holiday and year! Thank you to our wonderful families for everything and of course the great weather to allow us to travel safely.