Baker Christmases

This past weekend we had our Baker Christmases.  The weather did not cooperate so well...we almost weren't able to go because of ice, but we braved the weather and headed to Iowa...a few hours later than we had planned.  But, alas, we made it there safe and sound and had a great time with everyone!!!

First we were at Grandma Baker's house.  We played a saran wrap ball game.  Toys, candy, etc are wrapped in a huge saran wrap ball.  For the kids, each one took a turn and whenever they got to the next "goody," they got to keep it, then passed it on to the next person.  It's kind of like having a pinata without the mess and bats flying around!

Bryce got to start

Come on kid!  :)

There we go!

Zane's turn!

Mason got a stab at it.  (There's a full Snickers in there...Zane ended up with it)!

The boys with their loot!  You should have heard all of the trading happening, especially for chapstick.  Who knew???

The adults had one too, but ours was a little trickier.  You had to wear mittens, so it was hard to unwrap.  And while you unwrapped, the next person rolled diced.  You could keep unwrapping until that person rolled doubles, then your turn was over.  You might have gotten a prize, you might not have.  It was fun!!!

Adult version...a tad trickier!

Go Matt Go!

For our gift exchange this year, we all brought $5 gifts.  We used to do $1 but changed it up this year.  We all sit in a circle with our gift, and as Uncle Dennis reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas" we pass to the left for "and" and to the right for "the."  When the story ends, you have your gift!  We had a kid and adult circle this year...such fun!  It was neat to see the gifts people found for $5.  We ended up with many of our own because of trading!  :)

Twas THE night before Christmas AND all through THE house...

Sunday we had Christmas with Matt's immediate family.  It was the first Christmas in their new house!  Yay!  We opened gifts, had a great dinner, and just spend some good old family time together!

Nate and Zane

Madison

JOY!!!

Brycers

Dual gifts for the boys to share.  They are already OBSESSED with playing poker!!!

As always, our time with family went too quickly.  We headed back home Sunday afternoon.  I looked out the window and the sunset was just gorgeous.  Reminded me of why we were even traveling!  :)