1.05.08 – Christmas and New Years with Family

What a great Christmas season this has been! After spending the holidays with both of our families, we’re thinking that we’re going to try and make it a priority to go home each Christmas – you just have to be with family at Christmas.

First off we went to Emily’s folk’s house in Ohio until Christmas Day. We even got to bust out the Wii with Don and Karolyn and Aunt Barb as we went head to head with some serious virtual bowling, tennis and baseball! Our time in Ohio was so much fun, but we didn’t get to open any presents yet – that would have to wait until everyone could be together for New Years.

But before 08’ could get here, we took my sister’s car and drove up to my grandma’s house near Appleton, Wisconsin. After the Flunker Family Fun Day we left for Florence and spent the rest of our time up in the northwoods. I got to cut a load of wood with my Dad, and Emily and my mom prepared for all the upcoming Baby Showers.

We all got to see old friends from school over break as well. My best friend from high school, David Strasse, and I got to hang out down near his home, and then we met up with a bunch of other friends up north. Emily also got to see old friends from high school and college, including her old roommate Erica who helped out a ton with the baby showers.

One of Emily’s favorite parts of the vacation was getting to drive the car out on the lake and go ice fishing. She was pretty nervous, but had a fun time fishing. Then we all slipped around on the ice and played a little football too – it was just great.

Our trip concluded with a drive back to Ohio through a bit of a show storm to finally arrive back at Emily’s house for a belated Christmas with the family. Somehow this year’s Christmas just seemed extra special. Maybe it was the fact that it will be our last official one in the US, or that we got to see both families, or perhaps because Emily is pregnant, but whatever it was we sure cherished our time with friends and family. It’s our prayer that you too had a special time with your loved ones and I say that we should all plan to do it again next year… deal!