Christmas 2011

Christmas festivities began with the Miedema/Beckering party!

Chocolate fondue was the way to go--would not recommend the classic cheese fondue we tried.

Our family Christmas began too early for Dan and I...not sure if the kids ever really slept!  It was far to early to make sure the camera was in focus that I know for sure!

 We headed to the farm next.  It had been a while since we had attempted a Vander Pol picture and with the weather so cooperative, we attempte to this year.  Already this picture is out of date as Ryan and Courtney adopted a baby girl born on Dec. 29th!  Trinity Marie Vander Pol!  They were blessed to be able to stay overnight in the hospital the first night she was born and take her home from the hospital.

12 Grandkids pictured here.  Trinity makes 13 and Kirk and Christina are in the process of adopting 2 more girls! 

The Vander Pol gift opening of the cousins.  The girls got backpacks and microphones.

Bey Blades and Twins jerseys.

Feeding the kids Christmas dinner first.

 Next, the Beckerings all visited the MNPLS area for Christmas! Grandpa Beckering and Tim playing playdough with the kids.

The girl Beckering cousins!

They had so much fun playing together!

The boy cousins--minus Miles and Brody.

Miles played baby Jesus in the stroller for the girls (they played Mary and Joseph a lot that weekend)

Pearler beads--another cousin activity--a little more adult help needed here.

We had such a great Christmas this year.  We were able to spend so much time with family and even got to see Dan and I's extended family.  The weather was unseasonably warm and we were able to play football and soccer outside on Christmas day--will that ever happen again?  We are so blessed and we know Jesus gives us great responsiblity to use those blessings.  We hope we are able to bless others in the name of Jesus the way he has blessed us!