Christmas, Round 3!

Why do weeks off always fly by so quickly? If only work weeks went that fast! No, really, I don't want to wish time away, just want those times off to last a little longer! A lot got done at home this week: Christmas decorations down, winter decorations up, house cleaned, toy boxes cleaned up and new toys incorporated. Zane still had preschool Monday and Wednesday, so those days were especially productive at home! We got out every day and ate lunch with Matt 2 days last week, so that was nice for all of us!

Thursday after Matt got home from work, we headed to Iowa. Matt's cousin Abby and her husband Wes were back from Montana. They are expecting their first baby, a girl, at the end of March. We don't get to see them very often, so we spent the evening with them. Friday we headed to Des. Moines for the Bunch Family Christmas...our last one for 2009!

Friday evening we went out for supper. Saturday we went to visit my grandma in the rehab center and grandpa in their new "apartment." It was great to see them both and they were glad to see all of us! Saturday evening was the family gathering. We had about 66 people there this year. Lots weren't able to come, but a good turnout no less. We played games, sang songs (I threatened to post a video of our singing, but thought I'd spare you all...), ate food, opened "I" gifts (each year our gift has to start with a certain letter of the alphabet), and stayed up late. They boys had a ton of fun swimming, playing, and getting everyone's attention!

Zane sharing his new toy with cousins

The party room with MOST of us in there...

Lucas and Mason

Heading to the pool! What a physique!

Pulling Mason around the pool

Usually we're only at the hotel Saturday until Sunday, but this year we stayed an extra night. Since our room wasn't ready Friday, they gave us 2 rooms for the price of one! They were adjoining rooms and it was so nice to have 2 bathrooms and a separate room that Mason could sleep in! We didn't have to worry about waking him up!

Sunday we woke up and headed home around 10:30. Grandma called before we left and said she was being taken back to the hospital. She needed some medical attention that the rehab center couldn't provide, so back to the drawing board. I don't think she will have to be there long, but she was so disappointed. She and Grandpa haven't seen each other in a month and are just ready to be back together!

This week it's back to the "real world!" This is the long stretch of the school year with not many breaks. It's sometimes the most challenging part of the year, but also so rewarding! All of our best to you in this new year!

Mason's Marvels

• Lately Mason has been thinking everything is so funny! He will either scrunch up his face and laugh, or cover his mouth to laugh. It is hilarious and I hope to catch it on video soon!
• I FINALLY heard Mason say "mama!" He is a man of few words...the silent observer like his Daddy, but it is nice to finally hear that from him! I remember being worried about Zane's speech, and now wonder why I ever had any concerns...so this time I know better than to get worried!