A tale of three Christmases.

Can you believe Christmas is over? Phew! What a whirlwind! We had a great holiday weekend, and we got to spend lots of time with all of our families. We started the holiday on Saturday afternoon, visiting my dad in Saginaw. In between pestering him to puh-lease move out of Saginaw, we had a tasty, huge, fried lunch at Red Lobster. Mmmm. As you would correctly assume, I went to bed early with a stomach ache. But we had a great visit, and I wish we could visit more often.

We headed home in the early evening and were greeted by Brad's parents who are staying here through the new year. So Brad had someone to watch sports with when I crashed at 10:30. Sunday we took a break from Xmas celebrations, and Birgit and I saw aka cried through PS I Love You. I then spent the remainder of Sunday and Monday morning cooking and baking. The previously mentioned overcooked birthday cake, a pumpkin gingerbread trifle, olive and cheese spread.... Good stuff! I would recommend both recipes, and both are super easy and quick (especially the cheese spread).

Monday evening we went over to my mom and Larry's to celebrate Christmas and my mom's birthday with them and Beth, Ryan, and Jordan. Jordan was his normal adorable self, running circles around the house when he wasn't sitting on Brad. Jordan sure loves his Uncle Brad! I redeemed my ham gift certificate xmas bonus from work, so we enjoyed that and some o'graten potatoes I made (well, Brad and I enjoyed them -- my mom and Larry nervingly did not like them!). Jordan was more aware of what was going on this year, and it was so cute to watch him open all of his gifts (well, not all, but the ones from us). Just a short clip of Jordan being a cutie pants. Beth loved her Jordan photo book I made her, and my mom really liked the babysitting coupons I posted about earlier. Oh, and, of course, we busted out the German glow wine, in honor of Patrik.

Mmm. Glow wine.

Jordan and Uncle Brad.

Come on Beth! Let me borrow your Baby Phats!

Christmas morning Brad, Heidi, and I slept in, and then we set up a treat smorgasboard for Heidi in the living room. It was hilarious to watch -- she must have been all "what the heck is going on? I don't know, but I like it!"

Brad and I exchanged gifts, then watched Price Is Right with his parents. Brad spoiled me, as always, and I'm writing from my Table Mate II. I never have to work in my office again! ha ha! After scrambling around for days, I finally finished our trip albums, which I gave to Brad. I found great albums at World Market -- almost 12 x 12, 5 pictures a page, two of which are vertical. Perfect for a vacation spread! I'd share the link, but I can't find them online.

Next we headed over to Marc and Melanie's for Christmas dinner. And cocktails. Can't forget Melanie's yummy cocktails. It was fun to watch Bridget and Brendan open their gifts from grandma and grandpa, and they spent the rest of the day playing with their new toys in the playroom.

We had a great Christmas, and I feel so lucky to be blessed with such a loving family (well, all my loving families!). Here's to great memories from 2007 and on to many more in 2008.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Churches!