Christmas 2007

First of all, let me post a small disclaimer for my side of the family. You may notice that there are ZERO pictures from the Builta Christmas gatherings. For round one (Grandma Builta's on December 15th) my battery was dead. And, on Christmas Eve with the immediate family, Kirk was taking pictures so I didn't. So, if I ever get copies from my family, I'll post them at a later date. I'll also appologize for some of the dark pictures to come, but enjoy nonetheless!

Christmas Round 1 was with the Builta's on December 15th. Since my Aunt Carol, Uncle Kenneth, Aunt Kathi and cousin Kara all decided to spend Christmas in Florida, we gathered a little early. We tried a gift exchange this year and I think it went pretty weel.

Round 2 was the Saturday before Christmas with the immediate Kuipers family. Of course we overate and opened gobs of presents. The only picture I have from that night is of Kyla with her new undies and I didn't figure she would appreciate that being posted on the world wide web!

Round 3 was brunch with Grandpa Kuipers, Dee and Marshall. Again, mass quantites of food! No wonder the scale never stopped when I worked out today!

I actually have some pictures of Round 4! The extended Ficklin family met at Aunt Sue's house in Onarga. Here is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Ficklin and all of their descendants! They even let me in the picture...that wouldn't happen in the Builta family. Maybe next year Trever will no longer be a "guest".

Trever and Kyla with cousin Kelly!

Neela got a Christmas toy from Grandma and Grandpa (aka Kathy and Greg). She loves playing in her new tent.

Round 5 was with my family...those pictures will come eventually!

Round 6 was just Trever, Neela and I. This is my present from Neela! A few weeks ago I came home from work and 3 of our Christmas ornaments had been destroyed and spread throughout the kitchen. So, Neela "made" me an ornament that says "I'm Sorry" and has paw prints on it. She has 5 more back ups if she breaks any next year!

Round 7 was at Grandma and Grandpa Ficklin's house. There were so many presents! I have tons of pictures of this one. Here are just a few of them.

The DeOrnellas family! Check out Caisey's cool pink Illini shirt!

Ava is Trever's 1st cousin once removed (I think that's right). She belongs to his cousin Kent and his wife Kelly. What a cutie!

And finally Round 8! Caisey got her very own Christmas on Christmas night. What a lucky girl!

Santa was awfully good for us! Part of it might have been the gift registry that he had as suggestions! We have a ton of great stuff for our new home, but best of all was being able to spend time with our families! Merry Christmas!