Bell Family Christmas

To say the kiddos were excited for our annual 'Bell Family Christmas Celebration' is an understatement.  Well at least Addison was.....Jonas doesn't really know whats going on until he gets out of the van.  He's pretty content with whatever we do.  

Alas, the time had came for us to make the 2 hour trek to Grandma Bell's house for a weekend of fun and cousins and presents.  Sidenote: I'm beyond grateful for the short drive it is to see family.  I know of so many who don't have that luxury that I never want to take it for granted.  My kids know their cousins....how lucky are they?  Once we loaded up we headed out to Springfield.  Since I come from a family of five siblings my Mom's house was filled to capacity.  We were more than happy to sacrifice and stay at a hotel with our free points while also leaving our kiddos to have a sleepover at Grandma's with their cousins.  I'm thinking we won out on that deal.  ;)  However, we did take pity on Jonas and his random nightly wakings/cryings that we took him to the hotel with us.  He's been going through a difficult sleep phase that is leaving all of us tired.  Needless to say, Addison had a blast at Grandma's and Jonas, Brooklyn and Daddy and I had a blast at the hotel with our free breakfast and private bathroom.  ;)

The first day of festivities was Saturday.  It was spent hanging out at Grandma's house and having our family present exchange.  All the cousins drew names and came with gifts for each other.  You could feel the excitement in the air.  They all gathered and exchanged and loved everything they got.  Addison was in love with her 'My Little Pony', Jonas was thrilled with his truck and trailer and motorcycle, and Brooklyn was elated with her little girly purse, bracelet and ring rattles.  Next, we eagerly ushered the kiddos upstairs to play and watch a movie while the adults got down and dirty.  As in dirty Santa.  We play it every year and so far John is the one that dishes it out.  He leaves no holes barred and spares no feelings.  The rest of us are too nice to steal each other's presents if it's something they really want.  Either way, it's always a fun time.  We also got to open up presents from Mooma and of course the beloved calendar from Aunt Michelle.  It's her yearly tradition that we all look forward to.  

Later that afternoon we had a change of plans.  We were originally planning on spending time at Silver Dollar City but due to the frigid weather (and all the little kids we had) we headed to the warm movie theater and got to see the movie Frozen instead.  It was a success.  All the kids loved the movie and the popcorn and candy we stuffed them with.  Afterward we enjoyed dinner of Cashew Chicken (of course) and then headed back to Grandma's for some more cousin play time.  Sunday, was a normal day spent at Grandma's church and then everyone heading their different directions home.  

It's always so nice to get together and celebrate the holidays.  It's especially nice to see how much fun the cousins have with each other and how sad they are when it's time to leave for home.  We are grateful for a fun family that loves us and we love them.  Sadly, I don't think I documented this trip with many pictures.  Here are the few I did manage to take...enjoy!

Hanging out at Bass Pro.  He was a fan of the streams running through the store.

Addison posing by the big fish tank.  She was NOT a fan of Jonas' infatuation with the streams/water.  She clung to the corners and kept telling me when he was getting too close. 

Going for a ride on the merry-go-round

Jonas and Daddy taking a ride as well.

Jonas and Brooklyn hanging out and watching cartoons in our hotel room while Mommy & Daddy pack up.   Addison was lucky enough to stay at Grandma's for a sleepover with her cousins.