The Kubacz Connection: Merry with Thanks!

This title seems fitting for our combined Thanksgiving & Christmas post -- we are merry and full of thanks!

For Thanksgiving we drove to Kansas City for fun-filled family time with many (not all) of the Kubaczs. It truly is a blessing to have family close by which draws more family near during the holidays : )

Gracie enjoying the feast!

Girls with Uncle Josh

We attempted a photo shoot with the girls in matching outfits...

which turned into a playground photo journal (as expect for two two-year-olds).

Although not pictured, we enjoyed spending time with Nona, Boppy (aka Papa Jeff), Darol, Cheryl as well as JAM (thanks for hosting)!

Upon returning back to Wichita, we had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Christmas party (hosted by our church and a local international student outreach) for some of the refugees we have met over the past few months. We shared some Christmas traditions with them -- giving gifts, making ornaments (with the kids), eating Christmas cookies -- and read the Christmas story.

It was a sweet time of fellowship.

Dean chatting with some of the men.

Ladies visiting after the gifts were given.

Decorating star ornaments

Gracie helping unwrap a gift...she couldn't resist : )

For Christmas we headed east to South Carolina for more fun-filled family time.
But before we went, Gracie got to see this winter season's first snow.

We -- as we're sure many of you can relate -- celebrated Christmas in many "parts" this year.

Part 1: pre-Christmas time with Kubacz's at Nona's house

Ginger-Barn
Baked by Nona
Designed by Cherith
Assembled by Cherith & Dianna
(not pictured but..decorated by little girls)
Eaten by ALL

"Alphabet Train" puzzle time with Boppy!

Horse ride with Nona, Uncle Josh & Anabel
"Pinky is my favorite" --Gracie--

Part 2: Plyler "extended" family Christmas

No photos but we had fun reconnecting with Dianna's Aunts, Uncles & Cousins.

What did Dianna unwrap at the annual Plyler family gift exchange?

A pink microwave bacon cooker!

(for those unaware, Dianna was the only vegetarian present)

A visit with Mary (Dianna's college roommate) & Brandon topped off the evening...thanks for stopping by!

Part 3: Plyler family Christmas

This year we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve morning -- the 2-year-olds present didn't seem to mind celebrating a day early!

Electric guitar dogs
definitely a hit!
(Good job Papa!)

Nanny & "Great"-granddady
We are SO blessed by all the time we share with them.

Gracie & Dylan

Part 4: Annual Plyler Christmas Party

It was fun (and nostalgic for Dianna) to celebrate Christ's birth at Millbrook Baptist Church's candlelight service followed by Jesus' birthday party. This has been a tradition for the last 20+ years and has made countless memories. Thanks, Mom & Dad (aka Nana & Papa), for always making Christ's birth a celebration in our home!

Part 5: Kubacz Christmas

Mid-morning on Christmas Day, we headed back to the upstate for another round of Kubacz family time. Nona hosted a lovely dinner party, and we were able to connect with 3 (out of 4) of Dean's siblings, his Aunt & Uncle, and a couple cousins, too!

Story time with Aunt Cherith

Part 6: LeGrand Family Christmas

Back to Aiken in order to spend some quality time with Dianna's cousin, Derek, who drove up for a quick visit. Then more gift exchanging at Nanny & Granddaddy's house.

How blessed we are to have this wonderful time with family!

And even more, how blessed we all are to have reason to CELEBRATE:

Christ is BORN!

And after all was finished, we attempted to catch G in this year's Christmas dress smocked especially for her by Nana...