Christmas at Mom and Dad's House

We spent a few days at my Mom and Dad's house with my siblings and Aunt and Uncle before Christmas.

It's always fun to pick a morning mug at Mom and Dad's house... Lindsee and I got a good laugh at our "feel better about yourself" mug of the morning picks... I had KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR and she had #1 MOM.

There was some card game playing.  Lindsee taught some of us a new game called BaBacanouska or something that started with BaBa….

It was Will's first time to be around a big Christmas tree, (they only put up a small one at their house this year.  One that he couldn't reach).  He liked looking at the lower hanging ornaments and twinkling lights.  He did surprisingly well only touching a few of the ornaments and practicing good self-control.

We all got in some cuddles with Will.  Look at that pro-daddy Eric, rocking and putting the sleepy-time moves on the baby....

Will was so cute crawling, scooting, and attempting to walk all around.  He liked Uncle Ernie!

And, he loves his Nanee and Popee!  But really, who DOESN'T LOVE Nanee and Popee?!?!

Lindsee wanted to take Will to the mall to get a Santa picture.  We all went and got a cousin picture too.  The Santa was laughable, definitely NOT the REAL SANTA.  In case you were fooled, take a closer look at that GRAY beard or his boot COVERS....you'll see for yourself... 

He's a fake.

Uncle Matt was able to get a few days off too and flew back to Kansas for some good ole family time.

It was nice enough outside one day that some of us walked to the nearby grade school to play on the equipment.

Will loves his cousins!

Merry Christmas!  And, finally the moment that all kids get so excited for... the present opening!

There were LOTS of great gifts given this year.  Silas got the Perplexus game from Lindsee and EP.  He was super excited to have a marble rolling game of his own.

Will got LOTS of nice toys, books, and clothes.  He helped rip the paper off of a few of his packages and then Lindsee and EP helped him with the rest before he got too tired to go on.

The girls both got Barbie boats from Nanee and Popee.  Phoebe got a new Lincoln Log set from Lindsee and EP.

Silas was excited to get some new Monster Jam trucks from Popee, Nanee, and Uncle Matt.

Silas's idea for Nanee for Christmas this year was Ginger Ale.  He knows she has really been liking this drink over the past few months, so that is exactly what I got for him to give her, Ginger Ale!

Dad made a barnwood frame for a scrapbook page about William Loger for Lindsee to hang in Will's bedroom.  William Loger was a relative on my Dad's side of the family.  He would have been one of my Dad's Great Uncles.  He was who my Dad (Paul William Hastings) received his middle name after.  And, William, or Will (Lindsee and EP's son), received his name after our Dad, Paul William.
Note: William Henry Loger was born October 6th, 1883 and died November 30th, 1914.  His parents were David and Dora Loger.  He was the 3rd born of 12 siblings.  He is buried in the Clearwater, KS cemetery.

Thanks for the great gifts Uncle Matt, Uncle Eric, Aunt Lindsee, Aunt Judy, Uncle Ernie, Popee, and Nanee!

Matt was supposed to fly out on the 26th, but his plane was delayed a few times and then his flight was cancelled altogether.  He ended up at our house for the night and played the good Uncle role nicely.  He watched movies with us and played Wii with Silas.  Matt, we are glad we got to spend some unexpected extra time with you!