Goodenbour Family Christmas in Cedar Falls

Christmas Eve is the night all of the Goodenbour sibilings (Doug's father and Aunts) and their families get together.  There are lots of scrumptious appetizers and a small gift exchange.  I believe there were 15 people in all gathered.  Each year the rotate who hosts the gathering and Bruce and Deb hosted this year.  This was especially nice for us, as we didn't have to travel and Aiden could go to bed when he needed to.  Here is a post-bath/pre-bed picture of Aiden reading.

The next morning we slept in (until 8, Aiden too!).  It is customary to stay in our pajamas as long as possible!  We opened stockings from Santa and gifts from one another.  About halfway through presents, we took a break to have the annual egg-bake and cinnamon rolls. Delicous! I had two servings of eggs!  We finished up the present-opening and then spent some time enjoying them.

Aiden investigating these things called stockings.

Examining some of the things from his stocking.

Uncle Jeff playing with Aiden's Duplos- who could resist?

Ooh- an ornament!

Looking at new books.

Best way to test out the new toy is to stand on it... no? Oh, well that's Aiden's method.

Making sure he got every last piece of paper off- from a good vantage point.

Ooh clothes!

Found a good resting spot- right between Daddy and the couch.

Grandma and Grandpa got Aiden musical instruments... oh goody! :)

Shaking the 'eggs'

After a quick diaper/clothes change, we're back... examining an ornament Aiden gave Uncle Jeff- in some really interesting red and yellow colors.

Back to shaking his eggs!

Ritter Family Christmas in Grinnell

On Sunday, the 23rd, Doug, Aiden and I headed to Grinnell to my grandparents' to celebrate Christmas with all of the Ritters.  As always, it was great to see everyone, the food was delicious, Bingo was exciting, and the presents weren't too bad either :)

Here is Aiden and 'BahmPa' playing with a puzzle (a pre-present)

Giving Grandpa a zerbert (raspberry?)

Coloring with Grandma

Hugh, my Grandma Carolyn, and Great Grandma Mabel getting ready to eat.

Ashley and Ellie relaxing.

Aiden- the center of attention of course.

Ready for the first round of presents.

Waiting patiently.

Curt opening his present with a giant saw...

Strike a pose :)

Grandpa opening a present

After all the gift opening, Ellis is bushed!

Watching football after all of the festivities

A 5-generation picture.

Aiden 'riding' the scooter-trike (not sure what it's really called)

Cedar Falls for Pre-Christmas

Doug's brother Jeff (which in Aidenese has transformed from Josh- to Jesh) flew in on Tuesday, 18th from California and stayed with us for a few days.  On Friday (which was my scheduled first day of Christmas break) we headed up to Cedar Falls to spend some time with Doug's parents.  Aiden loved seeing Grandma (mama) and Grandpa (bahbah).  Grandma was passing out treats to the neighbors and Aiden decided to truck along and help.  But since it was so cold- he got all bundled up... reminiscent of the A Christmas Story?

Getting on his mittens:

                                   Aiden all bundled up                      Randy from A Christmas Story

"Uncle" Mike also stopped by and dropped a present off for Aiden.  Aiden sure did love unwrapping it- he made sure every piece of paper was off of the box.  Here are a few picture of the assembled gift- Aiden's still working on his shot.

What am I supposed to do with the ball?

Getting some help from Uncle Jeff.

I can do it by myself...

He shoots, he scores!

Pre-Christmas in Kalona

We didn't have a lot of gifts for Aiden- he did open a stocking gift each Sunday of Advent.  In that, he received some teddy grahams, a reindeer rubber ducky, a dart ball (which has already been destroyed) and a Sesame Street movie.  Here is Aiden opening a gift from one of my students:

He loved it! Especially since it had balls.

Visit from Aunt Ash

Aiden loves 'Ash' and he also loves saying her name.  She came down to babysit last weekend (I had a work Christmas party) and she also took some pictures for us for our Christmas card.

Cuddling

Cheese!

Kisses

More Kisses