A Very Merry Christmas Up North

The weekend after Christmas was our yearly Christmas in Eric's home town.   We were supposed to leave on Friday, but freezing rain and bad roads delayed us.  We left EARLY on Saturday morning so we could make it to the party that Nana's company provides for the children.

Eric and Connor chose to go to The Hobbit Part II (which they said was awesome), Nana Vicki accompanied Sadie and Isaac to Night at the Museum Part III (also very good!), and Nana Karen and I took Ramsey to see the Annie remake (Ramsey liked the music, but was "singing along" himself and was being a little loud, so we were in and out, intermittently)!  Another first for Ramsey... his first in-theatre movie!

After the movies let out, the kids met up with Santa, received their gifts (Connor, Sadie, and Isaac each got a nice chunk of cash and Ramsey received a musical bear), then had their pictures taken with him.  Santa mentioned to me a few times that he couldn't believe that Ramsey wasn't fussing or crying, as all the babies usually do at that age.  In fact, Ramsey held out his arms and wanted to go to Santa!

After our fun-filled party time, we went to Nana and Bumpa's house to eat yummy food (pizza, fudge, caramel puffed corn) and then open presents.  The whole gang was together again; Uncle Troy, Auntie Sarah, Sadie, and Isaac; Uncle Cory, Nana and Bumpa; and Connor, Ramsey, Eric, and me.  And, this year, Nana Karen came along too!  The puppies... mustn't forget the puppies (Maggie, Max, and Riggs)! 

Speaking of puppies...
Ramsey was quite enthralled with Maggie and Max through the glass doors.

We all exchanged gifts and received wonderful presents.  The kids were especially excited (of course), opening them feverishly, with wide eyes and big smiles!  Nana and Bumpa's lower level looked like a bomb had went off afterwards!

The kids played downstairs, crawling, wrestling, racing, and more!

Having to leave too soon, we packed up and headed home.  We're going to make a trip up North again in the very near future and stay more than just one day.  Family is dear, cherished, and, unfortunately, not always seen quite enough!

We are certainly fortunate to have such a wonderful family; here and not-so-near.
Merry Christmas!