Christmas

Christmas break started several days ago, but I really haven't had much "break." Friday I rushed home to finish cleaning the house. One good thing about having company is that it forces me to clean the house! We were just getting that done when my family arrived Saturday at 11 am. We had a fun day watching Elf, giving presents, eating soup and playing Christmas Bingo. Sunday, my nieces helped me register my Webkinz pet (The Gipper). They left before noon and I have to admit I was lazy much of the rest of the day. I cracked open Bill Bryson's book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. There was some other last minute details needing attention. Monday - which felt like Saturday - we took care of Saturday jobs (laundry, dishes, etc.). We left for my Dad-in-law's.

Christmas Eve was spent at St. John's in Elkhorn, WI. I'm working with the pastor there to "host" Valpo Sunday. Christmas with a three-year-old was, as you would imagine, delightful. He played and played and badgered us to open presents. We spent the afternoon at Rick's relative's house where Robby had "cousins" to play with and we enjoyed adult conversation.

Rick's dad is not in the best of health which is adding some worry to the holidays. When we're up there we are busy getting jobs done for him. His mobility is limited and his breathing has become labored.

We came home Wednesday (right in the middle of rush hour traffic, which was a mistake). After dinnner we celebrated Christmas as our family unit of three. Each of us was quite happy with the gifts we gave and received. My favorite gift received was a book about e-bay (a 2008 project of mine is to start selling some stuff). My favorite gift to give was cornhole.

So, today we will catch up. Take a break. Catch our breath. More company is coming!