Like I've already mentioned a few times, our plan this year was to spend Christmas Day with Chris's side of the family. Because of the kids being sick, we weren't able to do that. They were actually all doing okay on Christmas Day, but they had a lingering cough that we didn't feel would be good to expose Chris's elderly grandmother to.
On Tuesday, December 26th, we planned to drive to my parents' house in Missouri to celebrate Christmas with them. Whether we should go ahead with those plans or not was a tough call to make. We certainly didn't want to expose anyone to our sickness, but the kids were all doing much better and had been fever free for several days. I talked to my mom, and we decided to stick with the plans and go!
We left our house pretty early that morning and arrived at my parents' house around 10:30am. Not too long after we arrived, my parents decided to do presents. My sister and her family were there, but my brother and his family weren't able to make it this year.
Brecklyn and Brooke
Excited for their new vacuum!
The big kids - Brenson, Chloe Jo, and Brianna
Daddy and Brooke
Bren :-)
Since we were missing part of the family, it wasn't quite as chaotic this year as it usually is.
Still fun, though :-).
Chloe Jo and her new sleeping bag
Brooke and Grampy
Brecklyn (Both of the little girls LOVE this puppy and carrier they received from Grampy and G-Jo. I would say it's one of the very favorite toys they got this year.)
The grandchildren that were present - Brianna, Brecklyn, Brenson, Brooke, and Chloe Jo. Bren has been experimenting with different faces for pictures. I can't say I'm too impressed!
My sister and her family - Russ, Chloe Jo, and Lisa
Our family - yay for a decent picture!
Daddy holding Brecklyn, Brianna, Brenson, and Momma holding Brooke
G-Jo and Grampy
We had a nice meal for lunch, then spent the afternoon playing, resting, and visiting. After leftovers for dinner, G-Jo and Aunt Lisa did a few crafts with the kids. Brooke had taken a short nap in the car that morning, so she didn't nap that afternoon. By the time dinner was over, she was cashed and went to bed early.
Lisa, Chloe Jo, and Brianna
Bren, Brecklyn, G-Jo, and Lisa
Brecklyn and G-Jo (Brecklyn's camera face strikes again, haha!)
The next day (Wednesday, December 27th), Russ, Lisa, and Chloe Jo packed up and left for home fairly early. Chloe Jo and Brianna had both received a shirt from Grampy and G-Jo for Christmas, so they wanted a photo before Chloe Jo left.
Cuties :-)
We spent the rest of Wednesday relaxing and playing. It was extremely cold this day, so we weren't able to spend any time outdoors. However, it worked out just fine. We played Legos, played with new toys, tinkered with Grampy in his shop, napped a bit, and just enjoyed each other. That evening, we all got ready for Bible study and dinner out.
G-Jo braided Brooke and Brecklyn's hair. I wish I was decent at doing french braids because their hair looked so pretty like this!
Ready to brave the cold for dinner and Bible study!
After Bible study, we came back to Grampy and G-Jo's house, and (in attempt to warm our frigid selves) all enjoyed a small snack and some hot cocoa. This stands out to me because it's been about 8 years since we've been able to stay up later than normal and enjoy a little treat without paying dearly for it in the form of a child melting down. I feel like this year was a real turning point for us as far as finally having children old enough to enjoy the chaos and non-routine nature of the holidays without huge consequences. It was a really enjoyable moment that I cherish.
We left to go back home on Thursday morning. It was just a short visit with my parents, but as always I was so grateful we were able to do it!
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Because we weren't able to join Chris's side of the family for Christmas on Christmas Day, we rescheduled our visit for Saturday, December 30th. I had sent Chris's sister and her husband a text to let them know when we'd be at his parents' house so they could join us if possible. They weren't able to make it work with their schedule, but they did send their kids out to celebrate with us. We were all happy to see Abby and Zeke that day!
The grandchildren on Chris's side of the family-
Zeke, Brooke, Brenson, Brianna, Abby, and Brecklyn
Papa and Meme with all their grandchildren
We arrived at Meme and Papa's house that morning around 10:00. Chris's grandmother is living with them full time now, so we were thankful to be able to see and spend time with her, as well. Her health has seen a major decline in the past year, and we are cherishing every moment we can with her.
Chris and Grandma
Grandma looks and acts very different than she ever has. She's physically very weak and not able to walk without assistance. She rarely gets up from her chair, and she looks very frail. I didn't know how the children would respond to her and these changes in her mannerisms and appearance. We've had several conversations with them about this, and thankfully they weren't scared or shy with her at all.
Brianna and Grandma
Brenson and Grandma
After a pleasant lunch, Meme decided it was time to exchange gifts. Of course, the kids always love this part!
Brianna was thrilled with a living room set for her dolls.
And, you can't go wrong with Legos for Bren! Every year, Papa gives us all stocking caps for Christmas. It's so cute that the children always put theirs on immediately :-).
Brooke
Brecklyn
Brooke opening gifts with Meme
Gotta love the Christmas mess!
Abby with her gift from us
Meme always buys pjs for all the kids for Christmas. This is something we appreciate, and the kids love getting. Brooke and Brecklyn wanted to put their pjs on right then.
How cute are they?!?
Brooke and Brecklyn each received a play make-up set from Chris's sister's family. It was a huge hit!
Brecklyn showing Grandma her new make-up
When Brooke saw Brecklyn showing her make-up to Grandma, she had to get in on that action!
While the little girls spent some time with Grandma, the big kids played games with their cousins. I'm not sure why the tongues and long faces in this photo, but it's funny to me!
Even though things didn't work out like we had initially planned, we had an enjoyable Christmas with Chris's side of the family. We're thankful to have family to spend time with, especially over the holidays!
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