Extended Family...

This is the beautiful rink Dave Minks (Ben's dad) made in thier back yard! They have got lots use out of it so far.. they hosted 3 Christmas get togethers!

Each year Ben and I have several Christmas celebrations: one with each of our folks, a quiet one on Christmas morning with our boys, one with the business and one with each of his parent's sides (Minks and Obraskes). Its a lot but for many of the people, it may be the only time we get to see them all year, so it works. Its a blessing to catch up with everyone. I must say though, I do miss my own extended relatives this time of year (most of them in AZ).

Both the Minks and Obraske sides were held at Dave and Joannes this year. They were very excited to share their NEW house (I guess you could say its broken in now)!

Here's a bit from those parties:

Here is Wes being his usual hammy self and Reese with his rosy red cheeks from being outside.

Gatherings in the Living Room... The dice game is a yearly tradition in the Obraske family (and can be quite competitive). ;)

Ella and Jack- so cute! Us with our niece- baby Grace.

So many babies this year... Ben's cousins (and sister) are having kids like crazy!! This is: Cole and Avery (both twins), Everett and Grace. This photo shoot was so fun- they sat like this for the longest time letting us all get pics. I got about 20 so it was hard to choose just one for this blog.

Ben's ants- Jeanie and Lynette

Ben and his Grandma Minks. :)

Congrats to Ben's cousin Aaron who just got engaged to Liasha (spelling might be wrong)! They are posing with Grandpa Minks!

Grandpa with his daughter Emily and Grand-Daughter Grace.

Reese is helping Uncle Jake win a fierce game of Monopoly.