The Kramer Christmas Party

Since we have been Kramer-free for several months now, I think I went picture crazy trying to capture every moment with them. Please know there are too many pictures in this post. But I love them all since the capture the moment, mood, or emotion just right.

Despite all his busyness, Santa stopped for one last minute in-home visit. Every grandchild and great-grandchild got turn sitting on his lap for a little chat. Santa asked if they were good this year, how school was going, and what they would like Christmas morning. It is a great tradition and we were so happy to be town this year.

Sean had to connect through Skype to watch the festivities this year.

Logan safely rested in the arms of Uncle Chase while Santa made his entrance.

Gavin was sitting on Kylie's lap when his name got called by Santa. Look how excited he was to finally sit with Santa!

At this point, he whimpers 'I want my mommy' in the saddest voice known to a mother.

Naturally, I swoop in to see what I can do.

His emotions became stable again and even perked a little when Kylie offers part of her Starbrust candy cane.

Shortly after, Logan's name is called to visit with Santa. Logan did surprisingly well and was curious more than anything else.

Then I reintroduce Gavin to Santa with my body acting as a barrier. This seems to do the trick. Meanwhile Santa and Logan engage in a staring contest.

Gavin finally exclaims he wants a train for Christmas.

Next up was Uncle Chase with Mason along side Santa as his trusty helper.

Gavin is trying to explain to his dad the series of events that just happened.

Gavin's bravery increases for he stands by Santa all on his own now. At one point, Gavin even hands Santa a present from under the tree as a peace offering.

But still binoculars must be used to inspect this jolly man closer.

Just as Santa is about to leave, we think Sean still needs to sit on his lap! Oh, thank you technology.

With Santa now gone, the party can begin. Here is a shot with all the new babes of the family.

Stacey with her son Johnny (January 25)

Kortney's sister Tavyn with her son Keegan (May 15)

Kortney with Logan (March 5)

Ashely with her niece Quinley (May 3)

Nikki with her son Ryker (March 25)

Grant with his baby girl Quinley.

Then the magnets came out and the boys were happy. And by boys, I mean the young and old. They built towers and destroyed them. They built garages and destroyed them. They built caskets and destroyed. Gavin was in heaven.

Meanwhile, there was a fabulous gingerbread house contest taking place in the kitchen. This activity will have to be repeated next year!

Near the end of the party, there was a boom box in the corner hall playing a holiday mix. Every so often the CD would skip and Mason would go over and smack the radio. Then Mason and Gavin started to dance until their hearts' were content. Gavin just adored Mason and every move Mason made Gavin repeated.

Meanwhile, I was comfortably sitting with my babe fast asleep. Was it quiet in the house? Absolutely not! Just the way it should be with family.

Merry Christmas!

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Decorating Cookies at Grandma's

Even though I am not the biggest fan of winter, I certainly do love this time of year. Magic and happiness just fill the air. Watching Gavin decorate sugar cookies with the Evans boys was both. Gavin loves those Evan boys. It was a real treat for us to spend time with them. Really, it was a treat to spend so much time with all the family.

But none of these pictures show the fun and delight we had. Not one.

Sweet Quinley. A lone girl amongst this sea of boys.

Here is my favorite picture from the bunch.

Mason is dutifully and beautifully decorating his snowman sugar cookie.

Gavin is reaching and devouring as many M&Ms as possible.

Logan is on the ground wondering why he got kicked out of his chair.

Quinley looking down on Logan comfortably.

Carston holding the icing spatula to his throat.

Love it!

Boys will be boys. After decorating, it was play time.

Have you ever seen a happier smile than Gavin's? He was in heaven. And I must point out how Mason is carefully building and Carston happens to have a bucket on his head.

Bounce House Fun

The day before heading back to Sean and Florida, we met the Evan boys and girls for some bounce house fun. Gavin really loved playing with Mason (6) and Carston (4) so really I just created another excuse for them to play. Plus there are not nearly as many kids in Gainesville to support a business like this so I wanted to seize the opportunity for Gavin. As predicted, he had a blast and promptly fell asleep that night exhausted. I love watching that kid be a kid. The bounce house pass even included adult cover so I got to partake of the fun a little too.

Carston showing Gavin how to properly climb the ladders.

Mason showing Gavin how to properly slide down.

Here was the mega slide. Mason informed me there were 13 steps to the top and those steps were barely reachable for Gavin's legs. But boy did he love this slide. Again and again and again and you get the idea.

Gavin would occasionally hold up traffic since those steps were just barely his height. It was pretty amusing to watch the other kids and their patience.

Enjoying the fruits of his labor-backwards.

Haley, Quinley, Grandma Jeana and Logan telling funny stories. Well Quinley and Logan did not do much telling.

Logan got to participate in a little of the bounce house action too.

He even met a friend one month older to play with.

And of course, Carston is always around to supply love and hugs.

I fooled you by placing this picture at the end, but really it was just the beginning of the fun.