More Christmas

We finally got to have our Christmas the next day. Matt was a hero this year and did a lot of the shopping and stocking stuffing all himself. Thanks, hun!

(perhaps she's still tired??!?!)

My girls love books and they got a ton this year! They also got a lot of games. That's what happens when mom and dad shop separate.

That morning Maren did throw up again. And the news from Grandma and Grandpa's house- so did Dustin... we got together despite the puke. Maren was fine. Dustin did NOT feel well but it didn't phase my girls!! 

 Heck they all dug into the gingerbread house and sleigh.

Then it was so nice outside that we went out - even with sleds- despite the fact there was no snow.

It was so nice out (and great light for taking photos)!!

We had Christmas when Grandpa got home from work. 

Look at that mess!

Apparently Gramma needed help

so did Grampa.

It was utter chaos this year. Even amidst all the puking just gift opening was chaotic. I didn't see half of the gifts get opened more of less get to see who they were from. It's chaos every year, don't get me wrong but I just feel like I missed so much. I didn't even get to talk to my cousins. That's just where we are in life. To all of you who got my girls something for Christmas this year, may God bless you in the new year (and appologies if I don't recall what it was you got for them). Love to all and thank you for loving my girls enough to spread the joy of Jesus' birth. 

Christmas Day

As if we haven't been busy enough the past few days Christmas day proves to be even busier. 

We get up and leave Gamma's early Christmas day. Maren found it hard to leave Gamma's robot dog, which she named Leilah, after Kristopher's dog. 

Then we drive to Alexandria to visit my Dad's side of the family. After 30 minutes Lilly threw up her breakfast... really, girls?!?? At least they kept acting fine but the puke just kept coming.

Great Grandma has a motorized chair for the basement stairs. She let Maren ride it.

Apparently Maren found a tiger mask down there.

Great Auntie Chris entertained the girls with her iPad. 

Dad and I were able to enjoy an adult conversation and a cup of coffee before getting back to the drive.

Next stop, Rogers. The piano is such a hit.

After dinner it's a parade of presents. Lilly had to hydrate before the event.

It's a long day but you wouldn't want to miss a time like this:

after all the chaos we finally made it home :)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is at Uncle Larry's
It started with some hide and seek

where's Maren?

-pretty good, Maren!

After dinner we sing carols

Then we open gifts for the kids and play a white elephant game

Baby Sydney was very good at that game

The girls got these glasses where if you looked at a christmas light you could see Santa's face around it.

Here they are trying it out:

A trip north

Every year at Christmas time we try to head north to visit Matt's family for a few days. This year was the same. After 5 hours in the car and a 15 minute dinner break we made it to Matt's mom house just about 30 minutes too late to keep Maren from throwing up in the car. She handled it well. After a quick shower it was a hug and kiss for Gamma and off to bed. 

The next morning- cuddles for Lars

Then to the farm for a night. More throwing up from Maren but she was acting fine.

Lilly got a glow worm. Remember those?!

Lilly with Uncle Chris

After a little throwing up for Lilly we went back to Gamma's
and did a quick project 

(thanks to JoAnn's $1 section)

a snowman

and an elf

a few more quick pics

Sitting w/ Gamma

they were watching the video of Maren in her church program.