Christmas 2008

So my Christmas vacation has been quite busy so far. Here is a chronological look at my last week. Compare it to last year at this time - less things perhaps but still busy!

December 23 - Christmas Eve Eve with Lee's grandmother, dad, and uncle from Michigan.

December 24 - Christmas Eve at my mom and dad's house which is always full of games and surprises in order to "earn" your present.

December 25 - Christmas Day with Lee's mom and her family

December 26 - Since Taylor wasn't with us for the 24th or 25th, we had to make alternate plans with our families. Lee's mom and grandma came over to our house to celebrate with Taylor. Taylor also received our present - a girl's golf club set. Now she and Lee can golf together.

December 27 - My sister Brenda and her husband Doug came to visit Taylor on their way back to Indy.

December 28 - My parents, my other sister Michele and her family celebrated with us and Taylor. The pictures above are of Brandi and Sabrina from that day. Amazing how quickly time flies. Sabrina is in driver's ed now. Brandi is playing junior high basketball. It seems like just yesterday they were babies. Not the case anymore!! We had a great time visiting, and I'm glad we got that time with them!

Today started my actual "vacation". Lee has to work this week, so I get the house to myself to enjoy my vacation and get some things done around the house. Only 6 more days until I go back to work :-(.

Triple Thanksgivings

This year we went to 3 different Thanksgivings, much as we try to every year.

The Lee family Thanksgiving (bottom picture) was at my sister's house in Indianapolis this year - the same as two years ago. This was the first time in 3 years that we had all been together for Thanksgiving, although we had to celebrate the Saturday before. It was a great day of spending time with family, and it was great to reconnect with everyone. We had a wonderful time, and we also got to present the video of the ISSMA state finals to Sabrina. It turned out great!

On Thanksgiving day, we went to our traditional location to spend time with Lee's dad's family (middle picture). Although the celebration was much smaller this year, we had a great time and got to stay later than we had in years past. We usually only see this family once a year, so it is great to spend time with them when we can.

After leaving that celebration, we went to Lee's grandma's and spent time with her and Lee's mom (top picture). Although their Thanksgiving meal had long passed, it was nice to sit down - just the 5 of us - and talk and spend time together.

All in all, it was time to spend with family and be thankful for everything we have in life. Although we go through tough times, we have our families who understand. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!