The plan was for all the kids to come home after Christmas but Hannah had to work and I didn’t want to do Christmas without the kids so… we drove to Denver on Friday before Christmas and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas with Hannah, Kent and baby June then drove home on Monday.
The drive there was perfect. It had been crazy weather the day before and there were trucks all over the sides of the road in various wrecked states but it was sunny though cold for our drive. We listened to JD Robb again which is fun and I drove most of the way. Wilson is such a good car rider.
It was so amazing to see Junie. I love her so much. She’s 8 months old. She still mostly observes the world and looks in your eyes Ike she’s trying to read you. Food gets her excited but otherwise she’s content to squiggle in your arms and play with toys. She’s a snuggly baby, snuggles for naps. I took care of her both mornings while Hannah worked, one so Kent could go to the store and one so he could sleep in.
The kids made a fabulous meal and Scott helped. We had short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, ricotta dip with brioche and a fancy salad. I made Christmas crack that we made ourselves sick on all weekend.
We did our gift exchange and drove to Lookout mountain and attempted to go to a light show that was sold out. I took Junie for a walk in her stroller along the creek. Otherwise we just visited and played with June. I loved every single minute of it.
The drive home went quickly as we finished our book and then sang karaoke the rest of the way. And Scott drove more.
Part Two
The next day, Joel and Kayla and Leah and her family came. What a whirlwind! The kids bring a noise and activity and mess level that is a lot but fills the house with joy. We did presents, so fun and the boys loved their scavenger hunt for their bikes then ate ham and scalloped potatoes and salad and rolls then played and played and watched Christmas movies. Elf of course.
Wednesday Leah and I took the kids to MHK Play Studio and they loved it. Larry and Jo came over and I took a 2 1/2 hour nap. We did stockings and the kids loved those things too. Joel and Kayla headed home. We let the kids sleep in Thursday morning and then they headed home.
A lovely holiday.
dianegclark 