Christmas in IL

We loaded in the van early on Christmas Eve morning and drove the four hours to Lewistown, IL to spend the day at my Aunt Janet and Uncle Tom's house to celebrate Christmas with my mom's side of the family. Of course, it was great food and a great time! We recieved many special homemade gifts as many family members are quite talented, somehow I did not receive the talent with the sewing needle... Here's William with his new "5 Little Monkey's" quilt made by Aunt Jannie.

 

My mom made the boys each a hand knitted sweater, they look adorable in them!

 

While my Uncle Tom made us all rugs on his loom, and my Aunt gave me several scarves, and Grandma gave us potholders, my favorite gift might have been this: (And, yes, neighbors, these are going up in the front yard as soon as spring hits!)

 

After driving to my parents house, I spent the evening (and into the early morning hours) with my childhood friends and sisters Rachel, Jody & Kim. This has been our Christmas Eve tradition for several years now and we enjoy it immensely. Needless to say, I slept in very late on Christmas morning and woke up in time to greet my brother and sister-in-law and enjoyed another delicious meal and more gifts. We spent the entire day at my parents just relaxing and that night the boys were still worn out from all the Christmas cheer.

 

The next morning we packed up once again and left to spend the day at David's grandparents farm for another big family Christmas. Nothing says Christmas better than an old farmhouse packed full of family and fantastic food.

 

That night we headed home (with an extra cousin, Jacob) in a dense fog, but thankfully it let up after about an hour of driving only 20 miles an hour. Since then, we've enjoyed just being at home, putting away presents and Christmas decs and still indulging in way too much food. We even received more presents in the mail!

 

This little present actually barks and plays, we're hoping it postpones Williams need for a pet for a while.

 

So, another great Christmas to add to the years past. I'm so grateful for family to share it with.