A SNAPSHOT (WELL, A FEW) OF OUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse (except maybe Victoria).

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in the hopes that St. Nicolas soon would be there (it looks like he has been)....

Christmas finally came and we all had a wonderful morning nibbling on cinnamon rolls and sipping hot chocolate while the house transitioned from a magical wonderland to a chaotic mess of paper and packaging. 

We spent the day lounging in pajama's and enjoying our new toys then settled down to share a meal.   Our holiday menu included Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, Gratin Potatoes, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower, Asian Pear Salad and Homemade Dinner Rolls.  Desert this Christmas was an Almond Marzipan cake with cappuccinos (The foamy milk was steamed in Lisa's new frother -- a present from Victoria).

The day after Christmas we made the seven hour drive to Lisa's family in Grabill, Indiana where we celebrated Christmas again.

 We made a stop in Grabill to visit the hardware store where Lisa used to work.  Mike and Ella got a little carried away ....

Egan and his cousin Roma helped Lisa's dad do chores in the barn.  Egan insisted upon going wherever his grandpa went-even climbing the ladder to the haymow.  

 Every year Ella writes a play for all of her cousins and siblings to perform in front of the adults.  This year they did a take on American Idol.

After Christmas in Grabill, we travelled to the annual Steiner New Years family get-together in Angola, In.  We all hang out for a day or two or three, play games and get caught up with each other.  This year we also celebrated Lisa's grandfather's 90th birthday.

Maurice Steiner with his great-grandchildren at his 90th birthday party

After the party we took off to make our way back to the Chicagoland area to visit our friends and loved ones in Highland Park, Il

 Yes, Victoria got a hot pink highlight while we were there.  Funny story as to why... at her private school they have strict uniforms.  Victoria wanted a highlight in her hair to add some personality to her daily existence and wardrobe 'sameness.'  Ironically, the school only allows permanent hair changes.

Loaded up and ready to go home-not as excited to leave as they were to get there...

Thank you to our wonderful family and friends who so warmly welcomed us into their homes during our long Christmas break!