This year, I was super anxious for Christmastime. It was going to be our first trip back to Michigan since Siena was born. I was so looking forward to it. Ever since Siena was born, I wanted so badly for my family to meet her - and this was our chance! We decided to drive through the night because that's when Siena sleeps (and doesn't eat). It's a 10 hour drive to begin with, so adding more stops for feeding, changing diapers, and fussiness...let's just say we were willing to give up our sleep to make that drive as quick as possible. The longest she'd been in the car was St. Louis for the state championship...she was in for a long ride! That being said, I doubt she even realized it. Siena fell asleep before we got out of the neighborhood and didn't wake up till we got in my dad's driveway. She traveled and slept like an absolute champ! I guess I was maybe more concerned about how WE were going to do - and actually, that went very well too! We traded off driving so the other one could sleep and we made it to Grand Rapids with no problems - no weather, no traffic, and no sleep issues! That was a blessing in and of itself. We were able to stay in Michigan for 9 days and it was such a wonderful trip. I'll share with you some of our highlights...
One of our "must do" stops when we are in Michigan is Yesterdog. Now unless you have personally experienced a good ol' Yesterdog...you just don't understand. The best hotdog you will ever have - period. Although Siena couldn't officially taste a dog, she certainly needed to be exposed to the experience. We went there twice during our trip...and yep, it was as good as we hoped it would be. :)
You can't help but get excited when you're going to Yesterdog...
If this isn't teasing the poor girl...Your time will come, Siena - I promise!!
Christmas Eve we spent with my dad, Joyce, Em, and James. We had such a great day! We went for brunch at a little local joint that had delicious food! We walked out of there stuffed! Next on the agenda...bowling! However, bowling with a baby is a different kind of process. Most bowling alleys are smoke-filled holes - not an option for a little one. So, our mission was to find an alley that didn't have air you could cut with a knife! We tried a couple places before we found the perfect place! It was a tiny alley upstairs! It had about 10 lanes, old fashioned pins and ball returners, 1 guy working the place...it was perfect! Siena slept though most of the noise and chaos we brought to the lanes - we had a ball! We got our fix!!
Since Siena couldn't bowl, I guess she figured she had to prove herself in a different category - feeding herself!! :)
After bowling, we went home to enjoy the rest of the day together as a family. Pappa made a delicious meal - so good. We needed to get our energy for the marathon that is our Christmas Eve. It happens every year. We start dinner earlier and earlier every year to try and get done at a decent time, and it just doesn't happen. This year was no exception. I think we started opening presents about 9pm...we were still opening them at 2:30am! It's not that we have a ridiculous amount of presents to open...it just takes forever for us to get through them!! Siena opened the first present of the night - and that was all she wrote. She was out shortly thereafter. We continued with a cozy fire, snack breaks, domino breaks, and wonderful gifts. It sure was a great night - one of my favorites...
Siena's stocking was as big as she was!! :)
That's my girl - she knows exactly how to get to the good stuff...she can open presents already (and eat the paper to get it out of the way)!!
Speaking of favorites, Christmas Day was super special too. We went down to my mom's sister's house and spent 2 days with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. I had been looking forward to that for a long time. It was so great! We had good food, good drinks (thanks, Ken!), lots of laughs, a full-out Eucker tournament (with 3 tables and 12 players), presents, puzzles, a Pictionary Man, lots of snow, and best of all...time with family. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Everyone got to love on Siena, we stayed in our PJs for 2 days straight, and we were all together. A perfect way to spend Christmas.
Grandma and Grandpa with Siena...
This in no way depicts our parenting abilities...she just has good taste! Can't blame her for that! :)
A random winter walk at 9:00pm...that's normal, right?
PS. I totally get my fashion sense from my family...can you tell?
Santa...and Santa Jr.
Why we chose to take this "monumental picture" in PJs and no shower is beyond me...but the 4 generations are all together!
Our final Christmas celebration was the Sunday after Christmas. We celebrated with my mom, Peter, Em, James, and my step-brother and sisters...and all their little ones. Lots of energy and lots of little ones running all over the place - it was great! That is a very special group, as you can see from the following picture...
This must be a baby's way of introducing themself...Kai is just a few days older than Siena.
Mom and Em - love them!
All in all, it was just the most wonderful trip - couldn't have asked for anything more. We drove back home to Missouri on Tuesday night. Again, no bad weather, a content baby, and enough energy on our part to make the drive through the night. We are blessed beyond measure and Siena's first Christmas will be one I never forget. Here are just a few more random pictures from the trip...
A proud Opa and his granddaughter...
This little snowman greeted us when we got into Michigan...Siena gets all the perks! I never got a snowman to greet me when I came home alone!! :)
Siena finally got to meet her other aunts - my dear friends from high school...
2 comments:
you are right. It was a very special time here in Michigan and you captured it so wonderfully with your stories and pictures. We are blessed. love mom and Peter
I loved reading all about your wonderful Christmas! It sounds like it was picture perfect!
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