Our Christmas Extravaganza

We had a wonderful Christmas for a number of reasons. One reason of course being it was our first Christmas with our little girl, but we also got to spend treasured time with family and friends so dear to our heart. Christmas started out with our Chicago contingent coming for a visit.

Sleigh Number One arrived early in the week carrying Katie, Ben, and Nana. Mike and Grandpa in Sleigh Number Two made the trip on Christmas Eve. Despite some bad weather on both ends of the trip everyone made it for a great Bundalo Christmas. The train brought by Nana and Grandpa was certainly a highlight for Kate and the adults. Then it was off to NY to continue the Christmas Extravaganza.

Despite six hours in the Detroit airport, running between terminals, and hoping for standby seats we made it to NY safe, sound, and in good spirits. Kate really enjoyed playing with her NY cousins and made much progress on her walking with the help of Michaela. Brian was so excited to give Wa the replica Christmas Story lamp, I really enjoyed our Wiiza Night (Pizza and Wii), and the adults enjoyed a little nostalgia with The Groove Tube. It was just great to spend a little family time together. From there it was off to Greenville, SC.

Despite 4 hours on the runway in the midst of an Albany snowstorm, and our chances of making it to SC on New Year's Eve looking bleak, Kate was all smiles. She kept Brian, myself and the people around us quite entertained. She could not have been better! We did manage to take off and actually made it to Greenville to ring in the New Year. We spent it with friends of ours the Winterhoffs. Mark is a good friend of Brian's from childhood, and his wife Carrie is an equally special person. Carrie and I were both pregnant together and have had many chats on pregnancy and motherhood. It was so nice to see Mark and Carrie, and meet their 8 month old Luke. We have teased for quite some time that Kate and Luke will, of course, turn out a couple. The Winterhoffs were wonderful hosts. They have a beautiful home and made some great meals. The kids played together, and we certainly enjoyed the break from the Midwest weather. We went on a few walks, relaxed in their backyard, toured downtown Greenville(which is adorable), made it to the zoo, and even tasted some southern barbeque. It was fun to be with others who are in "baby" mode, but it was also just fun to be with them!

Now that we are home, we are recovering from our Christmas Adventure. I am learning that as a Mom Christmas is a lot of work. Everything is just a little bit more with a baby-- more work, more preparation, and MUCH more fun! Thank you so much to everyone that made our Holiday so special!