Then, Brian brought his new game of Monopoly because he knew the Bechtel/Houser men would love the challenge! My dad kicked everyone's butt! The stopped the game early so my parents and Dan and Jen could quick run over to the hotel and check in since it was getting dark and the roads had turned to ice. After a few spills in the driveway and cars and ditches ( luckily not our family), Dan and Jen made it back to Doris' but mom and dad didn't. They turned around and went back to the hotel as they didn't want to get stuck in a place that wouldn't be safe.
The rest of the night was really laid back. We missed mom and dad for sure. Like most families I'm sure, we spent most of the time in the kitchen just standing around talking- even though there were 25 spots to sit down in just feet away. Here is my cousin Mindy, her daughter Alinia, cousin Becky, her daughter Maddie, Amara, Bri, and Becky's son Brady.
Then we opened gifts. The Bechtel/House family does Christmas even more uniquely. Instead of buying each person gifts or drawing names or doing a grab bag, we draw family names. You have $50 to spend and you can buy a family anything you want. THis year we had the Brad Houser Family. We got them a $50 giftcard to this amazing indoor playland in Cedar Rapids with bumper cars, wall climbing, bowling, food, etc. Auntie Doris had us this year. She got us some popcorn, two DVD's, a bottle of wine, and cash to go out to eat! The perfect gift for us. The rest of the family doesn't listen much when we say no gifts for the little ones- all we want is to be together. Alinia however gave Amara the coolest gift. A Groovy Doll. It's just a cotton rag doll in cool clothes but she found one on-line with the name AMARA!!! Amara can't appreciate it yet but she will later having such a unique name.
11 people slept over at Auntie Doris'. Alaric woke up the next morning and was ready to play. Taylor had on jammies with feet just like Alaric!
My cousin, Woody does the sweetest thing every year. Knowing that my cousin Brad, Dan, Bri, and my Dad are into unique beer, he goes out and buys 24 different beers and lets the guys battle it out to pick their very own 6 pack. Woody doesn't even drink beer so it's even more appreciated! HEre the guys are discussing who gets what. Even Alaric is giving orders.
Here are all the Houser/Bechtel kids (I'll put in paranthesis who they belong to)...from left Benjamin ( Woody), Taylor ( Woody), Samantha ( Woody), Veronica(Dan), Madison ( Brad), Alaric ( Katie), Braden ( Brad), Alinia (Woody), and Amara ( Katie)
The Week of SIX Christmases is done and we are exhausted but overwhelmed with love! We had the 6 best Christmases we have ever had at each place and we loved each moment with had with our family and friends.
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