Christmas with the Widmans.

My dad's extended family always celebrates on Christmas Eve. Since this is often the only time we all get together all year (though most are in SD, and I think all are in the midwest), it's always a "must attend" event. In the past few years, there's been a slight baby boom, so we've resorted to celebrating at a church, or this year's venue: the American Legion in De Smet. Here's a grouping of the 2nd cousins hanging out. If you count there are 8, and I think that this is about half of the actual total!

Here's Ella and her cousin Kendon. Ella stayed attached to the chocolate-covered dried blueberries from Harry & David most afternoon...she loves blueberries, and it doesn't hurt when they are covered in chocolate with a candy shell!

Nathan, Ella, and Mayah loved to play restaurant at the counter. They would "write down" your order and then hand you a raffle ticket.

Following a delicious lunch, lots of snacks, and a gift exchange, our family went to church in De Smet. Nathan was very proud that he got to hold his own candle during the singing of Silent Night. Ella "helped" my mom hold hers, and I did all I could to keep Addie away from mine!

Following church, we went to my parents to celebrate. All of my sisters and their families were able to make it this year.

Here's a group shot of the gang. This is kind of how photos go when trying to get everyone. Mayah's showing her undies, Katlyn is anti-conformity and refusing to smile... poor Micah got put in the corner. My children are of course sitting perfectly well:)

Micah, Ella, Braden, Mayah, Katlyn, Nathan, Adeline, and Kendon

After trying to photograph 8 kids, 3 should be easy right?

This was the best I got!

Ella.

Here's Adeline on a rocking horse she got from cousin Mayah. This picture shows a small glimpse of the maddness that occurs on Christmas. Lots of people, lots of presents, lots of food...but I must say that it is organized chaos. All of the childrend did a good job of waiting their turn and saying thank you (though usually after prompting).

Christmas morning the children woke up and got to open up 1 more present, from Santa. We've tried teaching Nathan about Saint Nicholas and that Santa is just something we do for fun, but he still believes that he's real, and will usually ask a question like, "but, what about the reindeerr?" It probably doesn't help that my mom gets them gifts from Santa and everyone else tells him that he's real. We're not too concerned about it though.
After breakfast we got ready and did our big trip to the Cities. We are all pretty sandwhiched in and filled to the brim with suitcases and presents. None the less, the kids are all troopers in the car. Usually it's just Adeline that might need a little extra attention to stay happy.

We had a great Christmas in the Cities with the Thompsons. Hopefully I'll get some pictures posted soon. (we fogot the camera in the car, so are just waiting to get some pictures from Angie).