Christmas in Michigan

We were lucky enough to get to spend an entire week in Michigan this Christmas.  It was the first time we had been there for that long since 2006 - when Aaron proposed to me in MI we had been on a weeks' vacation.  :)  I LOOOOOVED being up there long enough to relax, not think about the ride home, and spend some quality time with the wonderful Anderson family :)

 

To get ready for the trip, I had the best little elves helping wrap presents this year!

 

Ummmm...guys....there's tape stuck to my finger that I can't get off :)

 The trip to Michigan was pretty good.  Addy got sick as usual - craziness because we weren't even 40 minutes into the 8+ hour drive...but, we got this down to a science so we were back on the road in no time. 

Also - we were JAM PACKED!  Aaron could not see out the back --- and I couldn't stretch out my feet.  I'm thinking that sometime in the UNFORTUNATE near future, I'm going to be the proud owner of a mini-van.  Ha ha......we'll see how long we can hold that off!


Think there is anything else we can fit in there????

The kiddos also had a wonderful time in Michigan.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE how well they are with everyone and how loved they are.  When we don't get to travel there as often as I wish we could, it always feel good to have the kids be so comfortable and happy!

Hiding in Papa's cupboard!

I love this picture!  The girls got along SO well and they do not get to see each other often at all.  The last time we saw Rylee and Sadie was Christmas 2011 and these girls were giggling, laughing, being super silly and loud within a few minutes.  So cute and so fun.  (Sadie and Addy are only a week apart in age).  We totally wish we could see the Spindler's more often!

Posing by the Christmas tree at grandma Barb's on Christmas Eve.  We had gone to mass that night and then to grandma Barb's.  The kids did very well during church - Addy loves the songs at Children's mass, and she is starting to pick up bits and pieces of the readings and pay attention.  It's fun to see her interest.

Home to Papa Lowell's and getting ready for Santa

Santa brough Blake a spiderman dress up (so he had other options other than princess dresses!)



Auntie Tina & Blake...love this pic

The kiddos got sleeping bags from Aaron and I that they got to open the first day we got there.  We got them the full size ones so they could grow with them...it was too cute to see them laying there, not even taking up 1/4 of the sleeping bag!

 During that week, we went sledding and bowling.  I have pics from both but there are lots, so I'm planning on doing them later - at least the snow ones! 

After we drove home we got to celebrate Christmas with our family of 4.  Santa had brought the majority of his gifts to our house in Pine Island since we had to travel so far, and the gifts that we had gotten for the kids, other than I think 2 of them, had stayed home. 

We are home from a long drive and Santa came, and, .... whoo hooo!

"Don't mind me, I'm just using my new screwdriver on EVERYTHING.  Presents?  I have other ones to open?? ....yeah later, I'm using my new 'power tool'."  What a MAN!  :)

Another successful Christmas in the books :) 

Christmas with the Tarara Fam

The same day that we saw Santa, we had our family Christmas with my parents, my sisters and their families in the afternoon and into the evening.  I have a TON of pictures from every Christmas (as usual), but just pulled a few out. 

 

Look out all these crazy presents!!! ....and this skinny minny girl in front of them. What a goof.

My favorite present of the season right here :)

My parents got the kids these fun big pillows along with some books and jammies.  Aaron helped my mom line these up downstairs at their house for the kids.  It was pretty cute to see them head down the stairs in age order from littlest to biggest to see them.

He cracks me up!!!  As soon as Blake sat by his new pillow, this is the position he took, LOL.  Laying there, one leg on the other!

A fav of miss Addy.  My aunt Nan had given Aaron this piggy bank as a joke, knowing he is a Packers fan.  Addy was happy to take it because she only has a 'little' piggy bank...and of course because it is PURPLE (one of her fav colors).  We asked her to give us her football face and this is what we got :)

 The day involved just being with family - opening presents, eating lots of unnecessary food, playing with cousins, games, movies, etc :)  Good times with wonderfule peeps!

Santa 2012!!

We went to see Santa this year with my parents, which seems to have become a tradition.  Typically my sisters are there with their family, but this year they weren't able to make it.  We always go to this carpet store in town that invites their customers to see Santa --- we continue to give them good business.  (they will be putting carpet in our new home!!)

 

Hiller's always does an awesome job :)

 

Ready to head out the door to see the 'big guy!'

While we were waiting for santa...they had entertainment: cookie decorating, face painting, lunch, coloring, crafts, etc!



Making a santa cookie with dad :)

 

Face painting!

Almost time to see him :)



 

I wasn't sure how the kids would do seeing Santa this year.  Addy was shy but went up to him and sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas this year (Barbies).  Blake usually follows Addy's lead, so he was willing to sit on his lap too.  I don't think he really knew what to think about everything, but he didn't cry.  Just sat there like the sweet shy guy that he sometimes is :)

Hiller's also provides a photo for each family and provides a gift for each kid.  It was pretty exciting this year because Addy had wanted a Barbie and that is what she got!  Soooo fun :)

Group Photo Time

Making "Meat - a - balls"!



In November, before Aaron went up to Michigan for a week of deer hunting with his dad, cousins, and uncles, etc - Papa Paul (Aaron's stepdad) came down to visit with Jean and made spaghetti and meatballs for Aaron to bring to camp.

 

Paul is 100% Italian, and a VERY good chef :)  He had a new little helper in the kitchen...too cute!