Ready Papa!

Right before we were ready to leave from our Christmas party, Gunner started a new game with Papa Bob.  He would say "ready, Papa!"  In all seriousness my dad would say "no" but with 4 boys eager to wrestle my dad was at a loss.  He finally gave in and it turned into a fun game for the boys. 

Opening Presents

A few pictures from our time opening presents. 

Brody playing some game with someone.

The boys received these adorable hats and gloves from Uncle Butch and Aunt Delight.

Before we even opened presents Papa Bob read the Christmas Story to everyone.

We had another White Elephant gift exchange.  Brad was #1. 

We "entertained" the kids while we were opening gifts.

(You may notice the lamp in the background.  Yes, it is a leg lamp from A Christmas Story.)

My cousin Jim opened a puzzle gift.  It was stumping everyone. 

Brad finally managed to get the first piece out.

Brody had his turn trying to solve the puzzle.

A little video of Papa Bob reading.

Family Pictures

We always try to take family pictures.  Here is our attempt.

Uncle Butch & Aunt Delight

Justin, Jessi, Gunner & Sayler

Papa Bob & Grandma Shari

Jim & Nicole

Taylor, Kristi, Jim & Nicole

(Kristi & Jim are my cousins.  Taylor & Nicole are cousins by marriage)

Uncle Roy (my dad's brother) & Aunt Vicki

I know I'm biased but what a great looking family! 

More Christmas Carols

A few more videos of our Christmas Carols.  Brody is definitely Papa Bob's grandson. 

My Grandma always wants us to sing Silent Night. 

We also sang "Jesus Loves Me".

Andresen Family Christmas

We scheduled our Andresen family Christmas for December 30th.  It was really a nice way to lessen the stress/pressure on everyone instead of trying to pack it in a short period of time.  Plus, since we had it after Christmas we were able to visit with Jim & Nicole who are now living in California.

Papa Bob presenting the smoked trout. 

(This was a payment from Brad for helping us with our tree clean up)

My cousin Kristi and I with our pregnant bellies.  Yes, I know she doesn't look pregnant. She is 4 weeks behind me (expecting a boy).  She is taller than me and this is her first baby.  She looks great and so stylish!

One of our annual traditions is singing Christmas carols. 

It is an entirely different experience with kids involved.

Here is the beginning of our singing videos. 

More videos to come....

Mandelin Christmas

After the presents were opened and played with the rest of the extended family came over.   We had at least 40 people (including kids) in my mom's house.   It was a little chaotic, but that is what we have aways had at family gatherings.  It was just a little different being a "big" person and having "little" ones to watch.

The boys opening their presents.

Papa Bob explaining the rules of the White Elephant gift exchange.  Even though the rules were explained they was still a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.  But that is pretty typical with this group. 

It was another late night and a day without naps but the boys did a great job! 

Christmas Noon time

We went down to Papa Bob & Grandma Shari's house to open presents with Gunner & Sayler.   We wanted to give them enough time to play with the presents before the rest of the extended family got there. 

Ollie, Gunner, Brody, Sayler & Colt

The grandkids with Grandma Shari & Papa Bob

Opening the Hess Truck from Gunner & Sayler.

Sayler loved all the excitement of the day.

Brad playing with Ollie's new submarine.

When we first arrived they opened this big present.

A short clip of the boys opening a present

(I think my camera stopped that is why I didn't get any more video).