Santa is in the Hills! Hurray!!!!

We got out to Rapid City the day after Christmas to see my family and celebrate with them. It was a blast as usual and sad to leave as usual. As much as I love my husband's family, it doesn't feel like Christmas until I step foot into my mom and dad's house. The older we get, the more traditions change BUT we will always have each other - no matter what state we are in. Enjoy the pictures!

Charlie handing out presents again

Aunt Tina with Kyra waiting for presents

Papa, Charlie, and Stella (Papa's Christmas present from Gama)

Stella is a pure-breed German Shepard and loves the kiddos. Tim actually came up with her name -

Stella Artois (Belgian beer)

Kyra in the safest spot in the world - Daddy's arms

The Happy Family in the hills

Mary and Maki wishing her hubby and his daddy a Merry Christmas

The Haggars

Faye, Sophia, Tim, and Isabelle

The generous Uncle Gabe gave the tots Big Wheels!!

Gabe and Kyra, Charlie, Izzy, and Mak

New puzzle from Grandma

The boys helping Gama and Papa open their gift from the family...

A romantic night away in Spearfish Canyon

Maki was too tired to walk - literally!

Kyra and her Knight in Shining Armor opening her presents

Who knows what they were laughing at, probably me

The beautiful Mary Elizabeth Schweitzer

Papa and Charlie in their driving hats

What's wrong with this picture?!

Charlie trying to back his wheels in the house

Sophie with her favorite man - Daddy

Papa and Charlie on his 1st ride on the 4-wheeler - a little nervous

Uncle Gabe and Charlie playing with magnets

Uncle Timmy with Maki blowing raspberries

Auntie Mel the jungle gym

Izzy and Charlie playing house

Grandma with her babies Sophie and Kyra

Charlie was so happy about this new bike from Uncle Gabe

And I think Gabe was happier to be giving it.

"Aunti Mel, could you get me out of here?!"

Olson Traditions

The Olsons' lifelong tradition is Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa Olson's house. Tim's uncles, aunts, and cousins gather at the house for lunch, presents, songs, and LOUD conversations. There is no better present than being with your family on the holidays.

Father and Son enjoying a quiet moment under the tree

The love of my life - Timothy Jon

Charlie's new Spiderman towel from Grandma and Grandpa Olson

The Whittingtons

Emily, JP, Karlie Ann, and Claire

Millie and Rol with their kids

Nancy, Eric, Kris, Becky, and Linda

The Gustafsons

Ellen, Nancy, and Caleb

The Olsons

Emily, Heather, Linda, and Tim

The Ludwigs

John and Becky

The Olsons

Eric, Maridee, and Julia

Charlie with Aunt "Heaver"

Claire Bear loving her Uncle Tim

The Olsons

Michelle, Sarah, and Kris

Sisters and Friends - Karlie and Claire

Generation of Olson Men

Sir Charles, Grandpa Rol, and Tim

The newly engaged couple, Heather and Ben

Enjoying Christmas dinner

Merry Christmas Daddy. We love you

Millie leading the family in Christmas carols

Claire's gift to Charlie - Kisses

The (Haggar-)Olsons

Tim, Melissa, and Charles

"Now I leave for Rapid City. Christmas isn't over til I see Papa, Gama, Uncle Tim and Gabe, Aunt Tina, Mary, and Faye, and cousins Malaki, Isabelle, Sophia, and Kyra."

Charlie's Christmas with Mom and Dad

Before we headed to South St.Paul, we tried to squeeze our own lil Christmas in with Charlie on Christmas morning. The "Hit" of the morning was his new Thomas the Train chair from Mom and Dad. We had to hand him the rest of his presents because he won't leave the chair.

Checking out the Thomas catalog to see what he wants to add to his collection

My favorite gift from the fam was my new phone - WAY overdue

"Well since you can't move Char, we'll come to you"

"Awesome - thanks DAD!'

Pilsi's new toy which he loved

"Christmas is over - I have Thomas"

Charlie handing out gifts - BUT opening Mom's

FINALLY!! It's Christmas Again.

OK so I'm really excited to share some overdue pics of the holidays. We started our celebration with Tim's family coming to our house for Christmas Eve. Linda (Tim's mommy) was the only trooper that spent the night and attended Midnight Mass with us which was wonderful. Karlie Ann and Heather were also celebrating their birthdays (4 yrs old and 22). At dinner, Heather got the surprise of her life when her boyfriend Ben proposed to her. We were all overjoyed while we welcomed him to the family.

Birthday Girls! Karlie forgot her crown at home - Thank Goodness for Aunt Mel's quick thinking

Charles T. handing out gifts.

Charlie's big gift from Nama - a Craftman's tool bench

Claire Bear patiently waited to open her gifts

His new ornament for the tree

"Beers of the World" - Tim's favorite gift

"Happy Birthday Baby Jesus, Karlie Ann, and Heather"

Creative Minds Needed!

I have decided that I need a name for the daycare business. Tim has always told me that I needed a name for my tutoring biz and never did that. So, I am asking for some help from those that are good at coming up with catchy phrases. If anyone has any suggestions, just email or comment on this post with your idea. Thanks a ton!

PS. I am still waiting for my camera from my mom in the hills. I desperately wanted to share Xmas pictures with you. Of course I still will post them - just a month late! Thanks mom (jk).