Finally, Christmas Pictures

I tried to post a couple videos on Christmas Eve, apparently so was everyone else and I couldn't upload the video. I tried a post with pictures and video on Christmas Day and again it didn't work. And then.... I've been meaning to post for awhile.

We had a really nice Christmas. Christmas Eve we attended a beautiful candlelight service at our church. I was excited because I was almost done wrapping presents and thought I would be going to bed at a reasonable time. Then we decided to rearrange the furniture and I destroyed a bookshelf full of children's books. So Jim and I were up very late. Jon was up a couple times during the night with a horrible stuffed nose so I gave him a decongestant. He slept until 8:30!

The boys woke to find full stockings and one present each under the tree.
They weren't sure about that until they opened the presents to discover Wii remotes.

While I cleaned up the ruined bookshelf on Christmas Eve,
Jim was setting up the Wii.
We were able to start playing right away, so fun!

Grandma Nancy and Uncle Rich joined us later that morning to
open presents and for a very late brunch.

Rich was very inventive while wrapping Nancy's gift.

Jon and Nancy enjoying a gift she gave him.

On the 26th, we drove through thick fog to Bridges Bay in Arnold's Park, Iowa, where we met most of the Ter Wee clan. It was great!!! We've met at water park hotels in Sioux Falls the last couple holidays. Although Arnold's Park was a longer drive, the accommodations more than made up for it! The suites were large and lovely. We had 3 full kitchens, so much nicer than trying to go out to eat with that many people. The water park was larger and much less crowded than the one in Sioux Falls. I'm shocked to discover I have no pictures of us in the pool area. Maybe one of my lovely sisters would be able to help me out with that!

Boys and their Toys

Jim and Darrell
enjoying their gifts

Joey and Garrett checking out
the Joker's lair.

We got Matt a ladder ball set.
The guys set it up in the hotel hallway.

There was a little mishap with the dishwasher.
You need to be careful which dish soap you put in!

Jon and DJ hanging out, watching cartoons.

One of our favorite Christmas decoration is the Little People Nativity set.
Every year we put it out where kids can enjoy it.
A couple days after Christmas, Joe decided to add a few new characters to the mix,
Star Wars characters!