Christmas in Minnesota 2014

Well, we survived our first trip to Minnesota as a family of four, and everything went pretty well. We headed to Minnesota on Christmas Eve, once we got our vehicle packed up with every single thing we own (at least that's how it felt).

The trip to Minnesota went surprisingly well. Both kids slept for about half the drive, and Emma spent the rest of the time watching a movie on her portable DVD player, and Elliott spent the rest of the time making noises and sucking on his pacifier.

Once in Minnesota, we unpacked our vehicle, and settled in to my parent's house. We spent Christmas Eve at Tim and Janel's house. Emma absolutely loved playing with Jenna, Trevor, and Kyle. She was not deprived of any attention by any means. Elliott was passed around all evening, and enjoyed snuggling with everyone. I ate too much food, but enjoyed visiting with and seeing all the extended family. It had been far too long since I had seen some of them.

We went to the Children's Christmas program at church, and then back out to Tim and Janel's to open presents, drink more wine, and visit. It was a great Christmas Eve! Unfortunately, neither kid was asleep in bed until after 11:00 pm, but it was a successful Christmas Eve.

Great-Grandpa Marlin and Grandson

Great-Grandparents

Emma enjoying Jenna's toys

Piano Time

Everyone playing with Elliott

Presents 

Christmas Day was pretty low-key. We went to church in the morning, and since Rachel had to work, we couldn't celebrate Christmas with our family until Friday evening. After church, we all had a relaxing afternoon. Emma took a much-needed 2 hour nap, Elliott napped of course, and the rest of us enjoyed the quiet. 

Kathy, Mark, Michelle, and Keith came over in the late afternoon to eat supper with us and visit. It was nice to catch up with everyone, and Emma loved having new people to show off for. We ended up playing the game "Things" which always becomes inappropriate, and then we played a few hands of sheephead as well. It was a typical Christmas Day for our family, but it was wonderful family time.

Our Holiday Hunk

Story Time with Grandma Patty

Rocking with Great-Aunt Kathy

Friday, we headed to the Gaylord Nursing Home to celebrate Christmas with mom's side of the family. I was a little nervous bringing a 1 month old into a nursing home, but it didn't appear that anyone was sick, and hopefully no one in my household gets sick in the next week. It was a nice little celebration. Once again, it was nice to see all the extended family members, I don't get to see any of them nearly enough. 

Emma ended up napping on the floor in the corner of the room, she was that tired. Elliott once again was passed around the room. I enjoyed visiting, and then eventually playing Cards Against Humanity, which is not the most appropriate game at a family gathering :)

After the Gaylord party, we finally had our own family Christmas at my parent's house. Emma and Elliott got spoiled big time, and Emma enjoyed playing with all her new toys. She couldn't settle down and go to bed until after 11:00 pm she was so wound up from her toys. It was a great Family Christmas!

Who doesn't eat supper like this?

More presents!!

Christmas Time

Grandma and Elliott

Sam came to meet Elliott

Before we knew it, it was Saturday morning, and we were packing up getting ready to head back home. I don't think a week has ever flown by faster! We packed up very carefully, and we were able to get everything to fit in our vehicle. 

The ride back to Sioux Falls went really well. Emma and Elliott both slept for the first 2 hours (yes!). We made a pit stop in Worthington for bathroom breaks, and to feed Elliott, and then we were off again. I bought Emma a sucker at the Gas Station, so that kept her busy, and Elliott had a full tummy, so the last 45 minutes were a breeze. It took us quite a while to unpack everything, but we are finally settled back into our home. 

It was a great week full of Christmas Activities, good food, and great family and friends. I loved the time spent back in Minnesota, but there really is no place like home :)

Hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas!!