Xmas in KC

Well, we loaded up the family truckster and headed to Kansas City last weekend. The plan was to get to Des Moines on Thursday night, stay with the Schwartz's and head to KC on Friday morning. The plan went off without a hitch, which is strange for us. It was our 2nd time to Bruce and Sara's house (my sister and brother in law) and our first chance to meet their new daughter Emerson. We were very excited, and Mara is infatuated with babies, so this was going to be cool for all of us. My parents were already down there and my brother and his family were getting there Friday as well. We rarely get the whole family together anymore, so this was going to be an event for sure.

Friday we got there earlier than anyone expected (including me). The kids ate lunch at Bruce and Sara's house and we just kinda hung out all day. The weather was phenomenal. We took the rare chance to sit on the deck in T-shirts and sip on some brews. It was amazing. When Bruce got home from work, he took me to Lukas Liquors which turned out to be one of the best liquor stores I've seen. A lot like a Binny's in the Chicago area. Microbrews and Imports galore. Got my hands on some stuff I can't get here in IA, due to distribution laws. Good stuff. So I was pretty much set for the weekend. Spent some quality time with the kids and Emerson later that day. Sara made some kick-ass soups for dinner. Then we all just kinda sat around playing Chicken Foot and sipping brews.

Mara helping Gramma K feed Emerson


Saturday was really more of the same, but add in a few hundred pounds of gifts for all the kids and parents. A fantastic meal was served up thanks to Bruce and Sara. We made another trip to the liquor store later for more beer. Never seems to be enough when the Kehrt's get together.

Proud Papa

The adults had a little gift exchange later that has become a yearly activity. Kinda like a White Elephant premise, but I think I may have missed the point a little. Or maybe a lot. I thought the idea of the gift exchange was that there are some nice presents mixed in with some cheap gags, so someone gets hosed. Except I'm the only one who bought cheap gags. Josh and Jill ended up with my cheap gags, though the Racing Grannies wasn't exactly cheap. Josh will be in teh Quad Cities this summer, so I'm sure to see him and repay him in beer. Jill, I'll have to make up for some other time. Sorry guys.

The girls enjoying their camping kits (Thanks Uncle Chad and Aunt Rox)

We had a great time, and the kids loved it. They're enjoying their spoils very much. Hope to see you all again sooner than later. Though, by the picture taken below, I'd say Emerson has had enough company for a while. (this photo was not staged)