The boys had their school Christmas concert December 16th. It was GREAT. They all did wonderful - especially Cameron considering the day before he came home sick from school and spent the whole next day recovering - right before playing his part as Joseph in the play and singing!!! The twins also did a great job in their first school performance! It was pretty cute!
Our attempt at a family photo! Wow - Makes Ben look really tall doesn't it?
On December 18th we got to start our Christmas celebrations! Ben's Grandpa Shorty and Grandma Ruth live over at Cedar Lake and we all went over there to PARTY with them. It was a really nice time. Great family! The kids even sang some Christmas Carols for Grandma and Grandpa.
Our attempt at a family photo! Wow - Makes Ben look really tall doesn't it?
On December 18th we got to start our Christmas celebrations! Ben's Grandpa Shorty and Grandma Ruth live over at Cedar Lake and we all went over there to PARTY with them. It was a really nice time. Great family! The kids even sang some Christmas Carols for Grandma and Grandpa.
All the Rettler Grandchildren -
Kenzie, Calvin, Elsa, Lauren, Kayle, Cameron, Abby & Clayton
Unfortunately only two days later Grandpa Shorty passed away. What a blessing that we got to spend that special time with him and celebrate with both Grandma and Grandpa. But always tough especially when holidays are near. Grandpa Shorty - You will be missed!!
We began our Christmas celebrations at home with a couple little gifts from us to the the kids.
Apparently Cameron is really growing up.
He was thrilled with his new AXE spray pack.
The whole basement smelled like a MAN!
Kenzie showing her Yipee face! She was excited about opening her gifts.
Christmas just can not begin for us until after Mass. This year it was very special as Cameron was in the singing choir, the Pasada (a short Christmas play), and bell choir. The twins were also part of the Pasada. It made for an amazing start to a wonderful Christmas season!
Cameron is second from the left in the front row. Most of the time he had his folder up in front of his face a rare shot without it.
Clayton as a Donkey and Calvin as a Camel!!!!
Cameron as Joseph. Not to brag but he did an incredible job.
After mass we got to do to my parents for our Christmas eve. So we attempted another family photo!
My brother Troy came to visit from Germany on the 23rd and stayed until the 7th so all the kids got to spend some time getting to know him again too - these one or two times a year is just not enough but each time they warm up faster and faster.
Gigi and Papa and all their grand babies!
Isiah, Clayton, Kenzie, Xavier, Cameron and Calvin
After a great family celebration on Christmas eve - we got home got some sleep and then!!! SANTA CAME!!!
Clayton
Cameron showing off his moves!
Calvin is rocking out!
Then it was time for the Rettler Christmas!!!!
Clayton found the Pickle in tree and got to open the first gift - which he was excited about.
And SANTA appeared in person!
What a special night!!!!
Calvin was not to sure about sitting on Santa's lap but Clayton was ready to go!
Kenzie and Cameron
I just loved this picture of how Calvin posed all of his gifts from Grandma Jane and Grandpa Gerald.
We also attempted to get a picture of all the Rettler Grandkids again.
They were all wearing their new pj's from Grandma and Grandpa!
OK so I know I will get in BIG trouble for this picture some day but I could not help myself!!! Kenzie got some great GIRLY princess dress up clothes and the boys sure did not want her to have to play it by herself. Personally the earrings Clayton are wearing had to be my favorite!!! Now when Kenzie is mad she had to grow up as the only little girl in a house dominated by boys and boy toys she better know that her brothers would do anything for her!!
Then the wrestling season got off to a GREAT start for Cameron. He competed in his first tournament of this season on December 31st in Waunekee. He wrestled hard and won all four of his matches. Took first place and made us all proud - not just because of the wins but because of his hard work and POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Man this kid just keeps amazing me every day!
Then the wrestling season got off to a GREAT start for Cameron. He competed in his first tournament of this season on December 31st in Waunekee. He wrestled hard and won all four of his matches. Took first place and made us all proud - not just because of the wins but because of his hard work and POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Man this kid just keeps amazing me every day!
Showing off his chart and medal with his brothers!
We had a wonderful New Years - We went over to Ben's brother and sister - in - law's house with all the kids and ate some super food the kids all played great and we even headed home a little early. Got home all the little kids tucked in bed and then watched the ball drop and Cameron was out about 2 mins after.
So we finally got some snow to bring in the New Year and the kids could not wait to head outside!
Ben showing the kids some great examples of safety!
Cameron tries it too!
Being the extreme family - Apparently just sledding is not exciting enough. Lets pile kids on top of dad and send them flying down the hill.
They had a blast and mom stood around watching and hoping for no injuries!
Overall we had a GREAT vacation overall. This weekend brought more excitement.
Friday night after Kenzie, Calvin and Clayton were in bed Ben, Cam and I played a good game of Monopoly. Man I love that game. Even though I lost - it was a good game. Ben won and Cam handled it well.
Saturday we went bowling for our last outing out before my brother left to go home on Sunday. This was my favorite picture! Calvin with his godfather!!!
Saturday night was our final Christmas Party - BOO - But it was great to string it out as long as we could. It was the Rettler extended family Christmas and it was fun as usual. 60 + people, great food and great friends - GREAT everything.
The kids had a great time and SANTA made another appearance. Our kids are SOOOO lucky.
Then we took a little family photo! Wow - what a family!!
No comments:
Post a Comment