Christmas and New Year

I've gotten behind...

Christmas was a fun time. We went to Steve's parent's house. It is tradition, ya know! We get their a bit early so that the kiddos can go ahead and open their gifts from grandma and grandpa. They love the leapsters they each received and the games to share as a family. Once the rest of the family and guests arrive we have dinner and finally exchange gifts with everyone else. I love to finally see if what seemed to be a great gift when bought hold up to expectation. I hope it did!!

We finally got the kids bundled and gifts we received loaded up around 9:30. Very much past the "normal" bedtime of the kids, but what the heck! It was Christmas. It was pretty easy to get them to bed though. I think that they were happy with everything that they received from us and Santa. Clothes, games, and movies to share.
I even made Christmas dinner; complete with pie for dessert. (the chocolate fudge cake with milk chocolate frosting was made for Christmas Eve)

Saturday after Christmas we went to the zoo. Normally, I would think that it is absolutely crazy to go to the zoo at the end of December, but it was in the 60's! We went to see the light display then over to the White River Gardens to see the train displays. We worked on a scavenger hunt while there. We found everything on the list!

New Year's Eve was also spent at Steve's parents. They live so close and it just doesn't seem to be a good idea to go "out." The kids stayed up to watch the ball drop and "toast" with sparkling juice. We came home right afterwards. Usually the kids will stay all night, but we were leaving to head to my mom's on New Year's day.

New Year's day was not exactly as we had planned. Instead of going to mom's house, we spent the day visiting her in the hospital. My brother and sister-in-law cooked the meal that my mom had planned on cooking. They did a good job! (but don't tell my brother!- his head will get big :) ) Mom is doing better. What a wonder what a little extra oxygen and steroids will do for ya.

We have gotten the outdoor decorations down today. And now we are getting ready to settle in to watch on of our new movies. The popcorn is popping as I type.

I will get some pictures up later. I wanted to get up to date...