The whirlwind that surrounds Christmas has just now come to a stop and the dust is beginning to settle. We have been going, doing, baking, celebrating, eating, opening gifts, playing games, conversing, eating, partying, picture taking, traveling, and more eating for days and days upon end. All of the above listed activities were extremely enjoyable and full of merriment though so it definitely makes all the busyness so very worth it.
Our Christmas festivities kicked off on Saturday the 18th with a delicious meal out at Minerva's. Timberlodge has always been our Christmas go-to, however much to the girls' dismay, they closed their doors and we were forced to find a new dining choice. Minerva's cheese spread and steaks was an absolutely spectacular alternative and the Christmas season was off and running...
Following our scrumptious meal and our torturous drive throughout town viewing all the fabulous Christmas light displays, we finally brought our anxious girls home to see if Santa had made his annual trek down our chimney. Of course he had and smiles abounded.
Ella was thrilled to find the stopwatch she so desperately hoped for in her stocking...
And Lily was tickled pink with her Spongebob umbrella. Even though there has been a surprising lack of rain over the past week, Lily has gotten quite a bit of use out of this present already. Hopefully it doesn't get so much use that it isn't able to greet the first Spring rain...
We had a brief break in the gift opening action for a few photos...
And then picked up right where we left off...
Riding our Christmas high right into the 2 day school week, I attended Lily's preschool celebration...
And was also able to participate in Grace's final elementary school Winter party. The 5th graders kept me so busy that I was unable to get off even one shot but I think that must mean a good time was had by all.
With school out of the way for 12 full days, it was over the river and through the ginormous snow drifts to grandmother's house and the kids took full advantage of all of the Minnesota snow...
Once the outside play was complete, it was time to head indoors for DSI hide and seek. Some of the more creative and innovative hiding spots were...
Under the three wise men's legs...
Under the Christmas tree (no small feat for a 20 year old man)...
And on the upper shelves of the closet...
Between games of hide and seek, we were able to squeeze in another round of gift opening...
And a few more photo ops...
Before it was time to gorge ourselves on prime rib and shrimp scampi...
Jeremy took a moment to showcase his keen and oh so holiday appropriate fashion sense...
Before we knew it, our time in STJ was over and after we wished our MN family a fond farewell, it was back to Sioux Falls. We made a quick pit stop at home for some unpacking, reloading and a change into our coordinated Christmas best...
Following a joyous Christmas Mass, it was on to Nicole's for our final round of holiday cheer. We were greeted by the Christmas cowboy...
And the good times continued to roll from that point on...
Eight days of celebration. Eight days filled with all of the things I love most: family, food and laughs. All of the gifts have found their new homes, all of the leftovers have been consumed, all of the order has been restored but the memories~those will remain within reach always.
This truly is the most wonderful time of the year and I am so thankful to have shared with the best people in the world. Love, peace and happiness to you all.
And now, I really need a nap.
