Grandpa Bell

Our Christmas celebration got off to an early start this year. "Early" as in the week after Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to have Grandpa Bell and Grandma Marchelle visit us from Utah. We were able to meet up with them in Kansas City and celebrate a good ole-fashioned family Christmas at Michelle & Kendall's house. Luckily for us, John had a business meeting in KC that following week so Addison and I got to play with cousins and aunts/uncles while we were there (but more on that later). That also gave us almost a full extra day to spend with Grandpa Bell & Grandma Marchelle. This was the first time since Addison's blessing in July that we were able to get all of the Bell siblings together. We celebrated with a family gift exchange, church, and a nice homemade Christmas dinner with all the fixin's. Addison also got in some great bonding time with Grandpa as well. She hadn't got to hang out with him since she was 1 month old, but it didn't take long for her to warm up to him.

This was our welcoming party upon our arrival into Kansas City early Sunday morning. Ashlyn is going to be elected President of the Addison fan club.

A picture of all the cute "Bell" side cousins. You would not believe how difficult it was to get this picture. Between meltdowns, distracting people, and little wandering feet, we just called this as good as it'd get. I don't blame them for being distracted though, we had probably 5 people with camera's in front of them calling names for smiles, looks, non-teary faces, and bribing everything under the sun just for them to hold still. Good thing we only attempt this once a year.

A picture of Addison, Ashlyn and Grandpa Bell in their Sunday best.