2011 Christmas Memories - Day 17

Lots of driving was involved today.  My kids are almost always good on a long drive.  Maybe it has something to do with lots of practice when Hannah used to be a competitive gymnast and we traveled a lot to meets.

We got out the door almost on time to drive over three hours to my mom's family Christmas reunion.  I only get to see most of them once a year but I hope to change that in 2012.  It is so much more fun to hang out with family more often.  This year we added a Dirty Santa gift exchange which in my opinion added so much more to our time together.

We found Gundy hanging onto the rear view mirror and he rode there the whole way.

 

Since the kids are going to my parents until Wednesday, they decided that Gundy could have a few days off and go relax so he came home with me.  My dad has the kids convinced that there are hidden cameras in the ceiling vents that are connected to Santa at the North Pole.

I also sent today's books with the kids to read tonight before bed.  They ended up getting to stay in a hotel with grandma and grandpa the first night.  They went and looked at a huge, local light display and then swam in the hotel pool.

The rest of the time will be filled with tree decorating and cooking making.  This is Hallie Jo's first year to get to do it and she has been talking about it since the other three got back last year.  My dad traces their hands in the cookie dough so Hallie Jo was anxious to make her hand cookies.

While they are gone, Jimmy and I are getting so great alone time.  During the day while he is working, I will be doing a major cleaning on the house.  I know it doesn't sound relaxing but my mom is coming Wednesday so it needs to be done and it is the best time to declutter toys the kids never touch and they think they need to keep forever.

I will be taking a break from this blog until Wednesday.

Even though I am not blogging for a few days, please do not forget to check out what Charley is doing at The 4-Crow's.