An uneventful weekend, as Iowa weekends have gone lately.
Christmas Eve: Grandpa’s. I forgot how crazy and loud and chaotic it is with the entire family there. You have to shout to be heard by the person sitting next to you. You need to guard your gifts to make sure that they don’t get caught up in someone else’s trash, b/c the wrapping paper is knee-deep. But it’s family. And I do love being with family. It was funny watching Maggie’s reaction, even though she’s only 3-months old. It was the first time she’d been with the Family and her eyes were so wide and she was trying to watch everything and take everything in. I think it was sensory overload for her!
Christmas: Mom & Dad’s. Us kids bought Mom a new stove and surprised her fairly well with the gift. She had no idea and was just dumbfounded. The little boys got new tipis from us and just adored them. It was a toss up between those and their new Hot Wheels tracks as their favorite gifts. Dinner was wonderful and it was nice to spend time with our immediate family.
Friday- day after: We did nothing! It was great. Sat in our pajamas all day watching movies (I had to work to finish another present though).
Saturday: Grandma’s. Had a wonderful lunch with ham and potatoes and veggies et al. No cottage cheese, though. Bad Grandma! 
The family has grown and there are now 6 little great-grandchildren. But it makes it so fun. We had good conversation and just a warm, welcoming afternoon and evening.
Sunday: The Bears game and movies. Watching FAcing the Giants (see next entry for review) and part of 27 Dresses. I need to finish the 2nd one so I know how it ends. Another lazy afternoon as we tried to consolidate our presents so they would fit in the car – didn’t make it! Some had to be left behind for another trip! Or maybe Mom & Dad come visit us?? Got a late start home and had to stop a couple of times for Maggie. Long trip, got in really late.
