Merry Christmas

I know, I know, it's been a couple weeks.  Believe me there is not a day that goes by that I don't think "I should really blog about this".  I just have not had the time.  I used every spare minute the in past 2 months to sew re-usable grocery bags for Christmas gifts.  I made 18 total.  I think the bags turned out great.  I am really proud of them.  

We had a great Christmas.  It was busy, but the kids handled it extremely well.  

Saturday, Dec 20th: Christmas in Eau Claire with the Seipel's. We all reserve hotel rooms and stay the night.  We are up the 13 rooms!  There is a reason no one wants to host for our huge family.  Santa came and the kids were scared to death of him.

Sunday, Dec 21st: Dinner at my dad's sister's house. There were a lot of people there.  All of them are related to me, but I don't know them very well.  Both of my parents come from families with 8 kids. 

Christmas Eve:  

2pm: Tim's maternal grandma's house.  We had a lot of fun. We played a White Elephant sort of gift exchange. (Look for a future blog regarding our diarrhea adventures)

5pm: Off to Buffalo to Tim's paternal Grandma's house.  There was a lot of great food there.  Amelia had so much fun chasing their beagle.  She was laughing hysterically. They both fell asleep on the car rid home.  Sorry Santa, no cookies for you this year. 

Christmas Day:

6am: Oliver is up and ready to open presents.  Amelia has to be woken up at 7 or risk Oliver opening all of her presents.

9:30am: Out to Tim's sister's in Hanover. Tim's parents, grandma, sisters(2), their husbands and kids (6) meet for breakfast and presents.  The caramel rolls, egg bake, GOOD coffee and great company are always something to look forward to.  I love the laid-backness of this get together. 

4pm: Dinner at my parents. This one is just my parents, sisters (2) and their husband/boyfriend.  There are no kids except mine.  Although this is by far the calmest event, I have to use a lot of energy entertaining my kids.  Oliver loves playing with other kids.  I think we all had a great time.  

Our holidays were very busy, but it makes me realize how luck we are.  We are fortunate to have our families live close.  We are fortunate to have everyone in good health.   We are fortunate to have kids that are easy going enough to make these adventures doable. We are fortunate that we want to make it to every event because everyone is so special to us. We love our families.