Christmas in Michigan

We had a busy and fun filled time in Michigan. I can't believe how fast time flies - I wish sometimes the school year would go this fast!
Our time started off with Christmas with the Stremler's at Jeff and Erika's house. Gerrit was so excited to play with Mia and we did not see much of them all afternoon. They play so well together it is hard for them to live so far away and miss out on playing with each other. We showed the kids what 'slides' were and had a flashback to our childhood.  We all had a good laugh seeing how we were dressed as little ones. It was shocking how close Emmit and I look alike at age 2. You would've thought we were looking at pictures of Emmit on the screen.
Anyways, after much eating it was time to open presents. Ella, Mia and Gerrit were Santa and the elves. Max is now a teenager and we are not sure if he was bored or being silly in his chair in the corner. Opa completed his golf club collection although Emmit tried to fight him for them and take them away (Opa really had to tug hard to get them away from Emmit!).  Emmit enjoyed all the gifts - even the ones that were not given to him (if they had buttons to push) and he was excited to get his very own umbrella (although Gerrit wants to trade him his).

Christmas day and the day after were busy travel days. We were able to sleep in a bit and open up stockings before heading out to Grandpa Bob's. The boys sportin' their Christmas jammies made by mom and Oma. Grandpa Bob made a Hot Wheels race ramp for the boys which was a big hit.  At Grandma and GG's we enjoyed hanging out and celebrated Emmit's birthday a bit early. Both days were also spent with Uncle Travis which was fun.

Gerrit and Emmit enjoyed playing with mom's old toys - Emmit is sitting on the doll lawn chair and Gerrit is trying to sit in the high chair! Foosball is a huge hit with both boys and they often played it together - nicely! Emmit would be found on top of the table trying to get the balls so he had to be watched closely! 

Gerrit received a 'shaving' kit for Christmas and Emmit was able to enjoy it too. Gerrit wanted to shave every day but we convinced him, every other day was enough! 

The rest of the week included: me attempting to play Hockey with Erika. While she worked on technical skills, I worked on skating forward and stopping! I finally got the stopping down by the end of the night. I was sore and have a new appreciation for hockey but will stick to being a basketball player. The best part of that night was the hot tub and drink!

We were able to see some friends for lunch - without kids! That was a bonus. And Opa surprised me with a ticket to the MSU bball game! (He had one for Adam but was able to find one for me so I could go too!) Family movie day with the cousins and just hanging out with the cousins was also included in our busy week.

We had a family dinner to celebrate Uncle Bill and Emmit's birthdays too with cake back at Jeff and Erika's. Emmit has figured out how to blow the candle out all too well. The boys got matching Beetle sweatshirts in honor of Uncle Jeff's love for Beetles. We attempted to get a picture of the cousins and Gerrit survived a tickle torture from his Aunt and cousins.

On our way home we stopped in a suburb of Chicago for what else? A bike race! Luckily Adam did not plan on racing as you can see how muddy it was! Gerrit and Emmit enjoyed the break from the car and ran around a lot! It was great because they each took a 2.5 hour nap once we were on the road again!

As much as we love being with family we were happy to be home again and enjoy a few days before the routine has to start again.