Merry Christmas!

I have a ton of things to go back to on this blog but I think I will start current and then scatter in some old ones as I go.  Christmas was wonderful this year.  The boys were so into all of it.  Santa, Christmas music, Elf on the Shelf, and Tyson also informed me that "it is Jesus's birthday."  Gotta love that kid, you never know when he is really paying attention.  December is always a crazy busy time of year, so I just took it one event at a time and I have managed to stay migraine free, which for me is amazing! 

Our countdown to Christmas is a little different than most.  The boys don't really know the date or understand the calendar very well so we just convince them that December 22nd is acutally December 25th and is Christmas day in Kansas.  So far it has worked out very well, because Santa comes here on "December 25th" and then we go to Iowa to celebrate.  By the time we see most of the cousins Santa has visited them and there are no questions asked.  It is silly I know, but I don't want to have to explain why Santa comes early to Kansas.  So anyway, we had our Christmas here and it was awesome.  Tyson was a bit into the stage where it was all about me and my presents, but we tried to get him excited to give too.  I LOVE giving presents!

Christmas Eve bubble bath!

Santa even brought Molly a new bed!

The Aftermath

Molly, the pirate dog

 

We started our Iowa celebration with the Lundstrom's, and with 2 new babies this year it is starting to feel a little more "Baldus-like".  Lots of food, lots of presents, and lots of great family time!  Since there are still quite a few less kids I buy them matching pajamas every year and we try really hard to get a picture with all of them.  You can follow the progression with me.  Makes me laugh!

 

And we're done! :)

 

Next up was the Baldus side of the family.  I once again took zero pictures of this craziness.  We had an awesome sit down dinner with all of us at one table.  It was so nice.  The present opening is something everyone should witness once in their life.  During gift opening Charlie would open a present and then go around the room and give EVERYONE a hug.  Probably the best story this year was when Tyson opened a present from my brother.  He opened it up and got excited about the Wii game, kept looking to see what else was in there and pulled out a Vikings jersey.  He picked up the jersey, said "it's too big", dropped it on the floor and then held up the Wii game again.  I loved his reaction! 

 

The day after Christmas we all went bowling together.  It was a great visit with lots of fun times.  Tyson decided he wants to move to Iowa.  I think it has something to do with all his cousins living there.  He loves spending time with all of them.