Christmas 2009 was full of good food and family! We spent Christmas weekend in Texas with Daniel's family this year. His sister, Denise, came down with her family so we thought it best to trek on over to be with her and the rest of the family. We are not able to see Denise very often, so when we can we jump at the chance. It was so good to see everyone and the kids had way too much fun playing with their cousins. Denise has three boys (Brendan is 10, Sebastian will be 5 in February, and baby Alex is 7 months). Natalie and Sebastian (who has red hair and blue eyes like Natalie) were inseparable, which warmed my heart. Ryan was so glad to be around some boys. He kept hugging them and they were so sweet to him. Grandma and Grandpa, whom the kids call Omi and Opa, were tickled to have everyone together. Omi did a lot of home cooking, which we gorged on...not kidding, that woman is an amazing cook and we ate more than necessary! Daniel was able to spend a lot of time with his dad, whom he adores. Heiko is a good man who loves his children unconditionally and is a very proud Papa (his wall at work is covered with their pictures). I even got to have a little fun and played Capture the Flag with Brendan, Matthew (Daniel's cousin), Sebastian, and Natalie...with nerf guns! At the end of the weekend we bid a tearful farewell and came home...with Sophia in tow! Upon our arrival, we celebrated Christmas with my folks and brothers before heading to our place to have yet a third Christmas celebration. Such spoiled kids! =) Twas a good Christmas!
Four Generations (great-grandfather, grandfather, father, son)
dancing at Omi's house, waiting for the festivities
great-grandkids opening gifts
my Parents-in-law with their grandkids =)
this is Daniel's entire family (plus Ashleigh's boyfriend). Notice the faces of all the great-grandchildren...Ryan and Alex are not happy!
Christmas morning
Daniel with his sis and baby nephew, Alex
Alex loves his Uncle DanDan!
Running around in his Santa suit
quality time with the cousins
at Papa and Mimi's house
more cousin time!
Christmas at my folks
dressing up in their Christmas costumes from Daddy/Uncle Luke
Christmas at home
Four Generations (great-grandfather, grandfather, father, son) 
dancing at Omi's house, waiting for the festivities
great-grandkids opening gifts
my Parents-in-law with their grandkids =)
this is Daniel's entire family (plus Ashleigh's boyfriend). Notice the faces of all the great-grandchildren...Ryan and Alex are not happy!
Christmas morning
Daniel with his sis and baby nephew, Alex
Alex loves his Uncle DanDan!
Running around in his Santa suit
quality time with the cousins
at Papa and Mimi's house
more cousin time!
Christmas at my folks
dressing up in their Christmas costumes from Daddy/Uncle Luke
Christmas at home 
she made cupcakes to take to school...she was so proud!
she asked mom to help with the frosting
Ryan helped make Natalie's birthday cake
She was so excited to be 5 years old!
Birthday Princess!
Ryan wastes no time and digs right into the homemade goods!
Caught in the act!
Natalie loves helping with meals
decorating the tree
Ryan is enjoying the tree
Natalie attended the Nutcracker with friends Parker and Ainsley
Precious!
she loves her new skates! (from Papa and Nana)
Ryan loves this classic hat that has been worn by all of my brothers...represent!
Celebrate good times, Mikey!
Ryan couldn't believe he was meeting Santa!
Natalie was too excited to see Santa!
wandering through mommy's work at the Family Christmas Night
Natalie enjoys the rock climbing wall at mommy's work
Festive ladies!
