Holiday Week Activities

Our Holiday week started out last Saturday where we took our first plane ride as a family. Cory and I were a little apprehensive as we just knew going through security would be a nightmare but suprisingly it was non eventful. The kids did great on the bumpy flight and slept most of the way which was good since we had a week filled with activites in MO and family bonding.

Saturday night, my mom's sister and her family came over from Chillicothe for a visit. It was nice to see them as it has been probably 4 years since we all have been together.

Sunday, we spent the afternoon celebrating Peyton's birthday at Monkey Cove the inside waterpark in St. Joe. The kids sure did have fun swimming in the middle of winter when it was -6 degrees out and snow on the ground.

Monday, we headed to KC for a family picture. My mom and dad celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Nov and us kids thought it would be nice to all get together for a photo since the last time we did this was at their wedding 25 years ago. The pictures turned out good considering there were 17 of us.

Tuesday, we went to my dad's side of the family's Christmas get together. The group sure is dwindling down over the years but it was nice to see those we haven't seen for some time. Carson and Peyton sure did have fun on the hockey table.

Christmas Eve, we spent with my immediate family. Mom and Dad made a fabulous dinner, the kids enjoyed playing and opening presents, and us big kids had a few good games of spoons. It's amazing none of us ever loose our competitive side. That night, Peyton and Carson put their new Christmas jammies on and made cookies with Aunt Marci for Santa.

Christmas morning the boys woke up and were happy to see that Santa came. They both got Elmo Live's. They enjoyed dancing and listening to Elmo's stories. Sometime over the night I had caught a 24-36 hour bug/flu and was not feeling well at all. Fortunatley, I had help with the kids and was able to get some rest. We headed up to Grandma Schooler's for lunch. She made a delicious meal and enjoyed spending time with the kids. I am really glad that Carson and Braxtynn are able to enjoy their Great Grandma's and are able to see them. I only wish we were closer to see Grandma Schooler and Grandma Bennington more often.

Friday, we packed up and came back to NC. Carson slept from the time we left Nani and Pop's house, through security and getting on the plane, and didn't wake up until about 15 minutes before we landed. Nena picked us up and we got home around 8:30. Cory and I had second winds and stayed up until about 2 in the morning unpacking and getting ready for Santa to visit our house.

Saturday morning, Nena and Grandma June came over to celebrate our Christmas here. We had a great breakfast and enjoyed watching Carson open up all his gifts. Unfortunatley, Braxtynn woke up not feeling well and by the end of the day Carson was sick also. I was so exhausted that I went to bed around 12 last night and Cory stayed up with sick kids until 3 this morning. Then it was my turn :) I had them both asleep at around 7:30 this morning so I was able to get about 2 hours of sleep. They both are still not feeling well and sleeping so I think I am going to go and try to take a nap.

Cory and I had an absolutley wonderful, safe, and blessed Christmas. With everything going on in the world, we truly are fortunate to have the family, friends, and blessings we have.