Christmas with the Kettles

'twas the night before christmas...

and the kettle cousins were having a GRAND old time. We got to spend the evening with everyone except Mandy's family (they came Christmas morning!) and when all these kids are together, it is the most fun CRAZY party around. I guess that's what you get with 9 (and one on the way) grandkids 6 and under. ha!

Max's first present- a sleeping bag from Grandma and Grandpa K. 

playing in boxes with cousin Tyson

I guess its true what they say about kids liking the packaging more than the presents at this age. haha!

Christmas Morning!

max and the vaffo- my favorite picture from the day!

it started out like EVERY OTHER DAY. with a "vaffo!" In max-ese, this means waffle. and by waffle, he means anything that comes out of the toaster or resembles bread of any kind or whole wheat eggos (obsessed). he woke up (as usual) and immediately let us know that he need a vaffo ASAP!

this present was the BIG HIT of his Chrsitmas. His own little guitar! It's the real deal too (and by real deal of course I mean $25 at target)- no little musical buttons or pretend strings, it's just like a mini guitar! Thanks SID (or dis, as max calls him) for tuning it today. Our ears thank you. 

MOO was his Santa present!

Max also got a little assortment of wooden toys from mom and dad and santa. Like a wooden tool set, building blocks, things like that. Oh and a ball that bounces SOOO high! He loved it! We tried to keep it pretty simple, a few toys and some things he needed, socks and under shirts (ha! his Daddy asks for socks and undies every year too!) and some snow gear and shoes. He's not even TWO after all, and I hate having tons of toys that just lay around. My toy philosophy is wood not plastic, less but higher quality, and if it makes noise, he's making it himself. i.e. his harmonica guitar, not a fire truck with sirens.  But don't worry, his grandparents and auntie Tiff spoiled the little guy with  a new coat, the cutest little stuffed tiger, and lots of other fun things!

Lovin' on Daddy!

After the Santa was done, we headed upstairs for adult breakfast while Max watched [i mean actually sat still and WATCHED!!!!!] his new movie from grandma, TOY STORY. Out of all the cool characters on that show, who does max love? woody? no. buzz? no. 

that would be the dinosaur. aka "dido". . .    ? 

Then we got dressed in the Christmas outfit (and sporting the new Christmas Vans) and were ready to rock. 

Think he likes it?

In case you're wondering, I was actually at christmas. The whole time. Unfortunately, there's not ONE dang picture to prove it. yes. that would be one of my new years resolutions. 

though stay tuned. I will be making a guest performance in a movie made by the cousins. 

Danny and I scored too I have to say- Danny got a new set of crazy cool tires for his car. Yes, I think this is incredibly boring, but he was thrilled. 

and I.   MMEEEEE! was surprised with the new mac book pro!! what? really? I must have been extra good for Danny and my mom and dad to collaborate on such a rad gift. though really I wasn't, so they must really love me or something. =)

Also thanks to Mom and Dad Kettle and Grandma and Grandpa D for the christmas money. I looooove the after Christmas shopping! The BEST!

More to come on Rexburg adventures, followed by pretend Christmas and NEW YEARS at the lake house with the Rands. Yay!