Christmas Celebrations

Grant and I were lucky to have time off from work for Christmas making time for a trip to Western KS. We avoided a blizzard storm that hit Kansas City by driving 6 hours west! Grant's parents had 1" of snow when we arrived but that was no big deal. Grant's brother, Blake, and dad both got the flu, and thankfully no one else did. On Christmas day we drove to visit Grandpa about 100 miles South/East of where Grant's parents live. Grant, myself, Holly, Bryan, Blake, and Linda (mom), all drove together to see Grandpa. It was a fun time - he is a character partly for being bossy. The nursing home knows him well and gave him a hat that says "I (heart) Bingo". We then went for a "drive" that lasted 2.5 hours. It was crazy! We even got into Oklahoma for a minute. We drove on a ranch and were on a dirt road. For me, the city girl, this was very crazy! I'll try to include a few photos. Then we celebrated with the family at home on 12/26. We did an exchange/secret santa for stockings and gifts (for the first time). It was a great idea! I got Grant's mom some funny pjs with winter-y Owls on them, and they're
lavender!

Caroline and Holly


Grant and Linda


The Cimmaron River


Grant and Grandpa


Linda's PJs


We celebrated with my family on Jan. 2 with a stocking exchange. It was also a good time. My sister and I discussed possibly changing it to a gift exchange but after seeing the stockings this year, we realized the fun of it is to see the random stuff for $20 that we give each other. My problem is my tendency to want a theme so my sis got a nice scarf, gloves, and warm socks. Best gift given was a gingerbread house making kit, bought on clearance for $2.50, because our exchange was after Christmas!

Caroline and Grant and our awesome first stockings from when we were tots!


Leah and Eric (with a cute baby quilt... April 12th is the due date!)


We had a great time with both our families and are looking forward to celebrating next year with a niece or nephew from Leah and Eric!