January Days

This year's Christmas tree may be the one that broke us from the tradition of getting a real tree. It dropped needles in the bunches throughout the season and, by the time I got the lights and ornaments off, the majority of the needles were on our floor. We've been getting real trees for over ten years now and have never had this happen. We scooped up what we could and vacuumed the rest and ended up breaking our vacuum cleaner (it was probably on its way out, but still). Not only that, but both Curtis and I had allergic reactions (bumps/rashes) on our hands to this particular tree. And, these needles were incredibly sharp. It was pretty painful to step on one. Plus, the tree farm we've been going to out here closed its doors after this season (its owners wanted to retire). I think those are a lot of signs that maybe it's time. We'll discuss it as a family next year to see what we all want to do. 

Winter mornings are hard for me. It's dark and cold and I don't want to leave my warm bed or my warm house. I always feel a little bit jealous of Mabel all snuggled up in the blankets. These are always the months when I want to be a dog. 

Graydon bought a bari sax! He's been wanting one for a long time. Thanks to some money he had already saved plus Christmas and birthday money, he was able to purchase one! 

Bella had a Saturday basketball game that was about a 45-minute drive away. She also had the school winter formal that night. She and her date were joining other friends for dinner before the dance and she needed to be ready to go by 5:15pm. We didn't leave the other school until after 4pm. But we came prepared because we knew time would be tight. I curled Bella's hair during the drive home! 

We got home at 4:55pm and she was ready to go by 5:10! Here she is with her date, Sam. We took some quick pictures and they were out the door to meet up with their friends. 

Isn't she lovely.

In all the rush, we didn't take any photos with her beforehand, so we took a quick selfie after she got home. 

We enjoyed hearing about her night. Sounds like it was a fun one!

Christmas in Wisconsin

We arrived in Wisconsin in the early afternoon of December 26th. That evening, Jodi and several family members came to my parents' house and we celebrated Jodi's birthday.

The next day, we all met up at a bowling alley to celebrate Graydon's birthday (a few days early).  

My parents watch my nephews during the day. Bella and Bennett got some play time in together.

We enjoyed our big family Christmas on Dec. 28th. Every time I see my nephews, they have always grown and changed so much since the time before. This visit was no exception.  

Time to eat!

Lori and Pat hosted this year. Their basement is a perfect kid zone! 

Present time! This is always a bit chaotic with a group our size! 

Lori got my name from our drawing this year. She had Bella send samples of her, Graydon, and Curtis's handwriting of the words "love ya". Such a special gift for me. 

We played a game of Beanboozled. "Dirty Dishes" was probably the worst flavor I sampled.

A new ornament for my parents. 10 grandkids now!

The next day, my mom and sister flew out to California to watch my niece perform in the Rose Bowl Parade. And we drove out to Verona to visit with the Kilpses and Meades.

Gaga got some new birds!

The kids did some ice skating.

Christmas!

We worked together for several hours to solve a murder mystery.

On Graydon's birthday, we ate lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Afterward, Andy, Graydon, Bella, and Curtis went to see the new Avatar movie. That evening, we went to the only place Graydon would want to celebrate at: the bowling alley!

Our fourteen-year-old! 

There was also a lot of chess. Papa has done a good job over these years of teaching all these kids how to play.

We watched the Packer/Viking game the following day and then it was time to head back down to Indiana. Christmas time is always full of so much family, food, and fun.