Braun Christmas

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with my mom's side of the family.  We had it at our house, but I really didn't have to do anything except clean (and Mike did most of that... thanks!).  My grandma made a lot of the food and everyone else brought something, too.  I felt kind of bad.  My job was to make sure there was plenty of candy around for people to eat. : )

The little kids exchange names, so that's always fun for them.  They have a hard time focusing on lunch, because they're so excited to open their presents!  We got to use our dining room table for the first time.  We had 12 people sitting at it... we love being able to have everyone sit together to eat.  The kids all fit at our kitchen table, which worked out well, too.

Here are some pictures my parents took throughout the day.  I'm so happy they took a lot of pictures.  I just never pulled out my camera~hate when I do that.  I did get a few pictures of my grandma with Kate.  Kate makes my grandparents smile so much - love it!!  Wish I would have also taken a picture of everyone sitting at the table - oh well.

[Rachel was very excited to play her Christmas song for everyone. : )]

[the kids eating]

[the great-grandkids]

[the grandkids]

[the kids]

[the Krempien family]

[the Zimmerman family]

[the Rux family]

[kids very excited to open presents]

[my grandparents watching the kids]

[Kate with Rachel's shirt and Cade's hat]

[Kate creates many smiles]

[my grandma just loves hanging out with Kate]

Then, today we went to the Zimmermans' after watching the Packers lose their first game of the season... bummer.

No pictures, but it was a lot of fun.  Some of the highlights are listed below.  I'm sure I forgot some things... always so much fun to get together. : )

• Mike switching the direction on the ceiling fan
• the kids all watching the train under the tree - so cute
• olivia walking a lot more than the last time we saw her
• the little girls with their new bangs
• Eli and grandpa getting in trouble for playing catch too close to the tree
• Rachel practicing to do her hallmark book recording

Update - Kate has taken three out of four naps in her big bed!!  And, for that last two it only took about 10 minutes for her to fall asleep.  The only day she didn't was the day we had people over.  Figured it would just be easier to put her in the crib.

Hard to believe Christmas is so close already!!  I have a lot to get done yet this week, but it will get done - always does.

Keep smiling! : )