Thanksmas '14

(I'm going to cheat again and date this post back to Nov or Dec. Thanks for your patience, and humor!)

This Thanksgiving we traveled down to IL to see Caleb's parents, his sister Valerie and her family, as well as spend a few hours with the extended family (Caleb's dad's side). I've probably mentioned before, it's about an 8.5 hr drive, plus stops, WITHOUT kids, and our girls start falling to pieces by hour 6 - so that means a two-day drive (for now). We planned to stop in the Wisconsin Dells, which turned out to be a fantastic plan. Wouldn't you know, hardly anyone was staying there! On the way down, we were pretty sure we were the ONLY occupants of the hotel. Both times we stopped there (going down, then returning home) we chose a hotel that had a mini-water-park. It allowed the girls a chance to get their pent up energy out, and it was a lot of fun. A lot of work for Caleb and I, as neither girl can swim on her own, so we have to be on them like a hawk, or just hold them the entire time (note: we bought life vests for next time!). The pictures we have were taken on our phones, and unfortunately there's nothing worthwhile to share.


Once in IL, we spent Thanksgiving with Caleb's relatives in what has been dubbed, "Thanksmas!"

(What you don't see is the line of people going into the kitchen, either for first helpings or second! Oh, and the "kids table" in front of these tables!)

Where do you feed +60 people? In a church, of course! This year we actually got together on Thanksgiving day, then transitioned to a small Christmas celebration after the food was eaten.

They managed to get a picture of Great-Grandma and her great-grandkids! (Many weren't able to join us that day - I think the total number of great-grandchildren is up to 30 now?)

(Olivia crashed for her nap just before they took this picture! Poor kid was wiped out)

I love how close these folks are! While we regret that we can't join in more of the get-togethers throughout the year, it was fun to visit while we could.

The kids each got a present from Great-Grandma! Madeline got a Lalaloopsy Mermaid doll.

...and Olivia got a hockey set! You can't be a Minnesotan without hockey, right? (We chose this for her because she actually loves to "play" hockey at church - go figure!)

Madeline spontaneously went up to Great-Grandma for a hug. So sweet! (Sorry it's blurry, it's the best we could get)

Afterwards we drove back to Caleb's parents house, where Valerie's family was also staying for a few days. The girls had a blast playing with their cousins, and Madeline continues to ask when she can see them again.

Madeline, Gabriella, and Chase, all playing on their leappads.

On Friday we celebrated an early, mini-Christmas. (Mini because our family would be the only ones missing come Christmas time) Caleb and the grandkids set up the Christmas tree and we exchanged gifts.

 Somebody got a Minnie Mouse doll! She LOVES it!!

 Another game for her Leappad (and a princess one - it's Brave!)

Grammie and Grandpa gave Olivia a microphone. Now she can sing "Let It Go" and be heard ALL OVER THE HOUSE! (It actually is pretty cute, as long as the volume isn't screeching in your ear)

Olivia got some doll accessories, including a toy phone. She loves to pick it up and call Daddy.

Madeline also got a bunch of crafting things (not pictured), and has proceeded to make a lot of necklaces, as well as Perler Bead creations. I'll have to find pictures of them since she is REALLY proud of them! Plus there's more to the Perler Bead story (but that's for another post)...

The next morning, Madeline asked Grandpa to help her build her Mega Blocks Barbie Pool. Grandpa quickly had extra help, which I don't think Madeline minded. :)

As I said, Madeline periodically asks when she can see her cousins again (even Olivia asks about Chase). While at Ted and Jan's house, Madeline and Olivia shared a bunk bed for the first time! Madeline has been so eager to sleep in one, ever since she saw it at their house last year, but we weren't sure how she would react to the height (after all, Olivia can't be the one on top!). She did well, though.

Our girls tend to take a while to fall asleep, and staying at Grammie and Grandpa's was no exception. After tucking the girls in at night, we kept hearing them over the monitor. Usually, it was Olivia singing, and Madeline saying, "O-WI-VI-AH!!! Go to SLEEP!" Eventually they would both nod off, but it was humorous (if a bit exasperating) to hear the process.