Kruse Christmas

On the second weekend in December, my side of the family gathers to celebrate Christmas.  My Mom and Dad started this several years ago to ensure that we would all be able to get together for a Christmas celebration.  My Mom knew that eventually we would want to stay at home Christmas morning with our kids, or that it would be someone's turn to go to the in-laws while the rest of us were here.  This way we make sure we are all together at least once a year.

Melissa loved spending time with Uncle Shawn.

Grandma with the four of us:

Horsing around outside before dinner and presents:

Swing time!

More time with Uncle Shawn.  Seriously - she would just plop down next to him and hang out.

Time for presents!

Whoa - that's a big pen!  Well, it still goes in the spirals on the notebook, right?

Oh, is someone already sitting there?

The next morning we all met at IHOP for breakfast before Shawn and Jessica headed back home. 

Thank goodness for the balloons.  They kept the girls busy while we waited for our food.

It was a great weekend!  Combined with the baby shower for Jessica, it was a lot of quality family time.  Lots of laughter, love, and great memories made, which is what Christmas is about, no matter when it is celebrated.