Christmas in Dayton- We spent a week with our wonderful friends. We had a delicious group dinner featuring Parmesan and Garlic Crusted Prime Rib, Cinnamon Spiced Pork Loin with Fried Apples, Garlic and Herb Spiced Pork Loin with Sweet Onion Marmaletta, Steve's Cheesy Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Sue's Special Creamed Corn, Salad, Rolls, Herb Butter and Debbie's Norwegian Treats- We affectionately call them "Little Debbies".

      We shared gifts and had a rousing White Elephant game. I was very excited to get a Bird clock that chirps a different bird on the hour. They all think I am crazy, but it's one of my very favorite gifts. We had a great time together. One of our favorite things is when our friend Lary gets out his guitar and leads us in Chritmas Carols and Praise music. It is a special time that we always enjoy.

      The men have a tradition of going to the Air Force Museum together while we "hens" bake. The boys enjoy their time and look forward to it each year. This year we laid low and talked and prayed with our friend who is suffering with back problems.

      The highlight is "Couples Night". We all get dressed up and go out to a dinner theater together. We see a Christmas play. This year we saw "Miracle on 34th St." It was the best one yet.

      The kids have fun too by the way:)

      Christmas at Home- We always have Christmas Eve with my side of the family at our house. It was even more special with it being my nephew Josiah's first. I made him an Advent tree with space for 25 small gifts. Next year, each day he will be able to open one small gift from us and read a small portion of the Christmas story.  The tree is behind the kids in the picture. I only put 12 gifts on it this year. I figured he's a little young this year. After he removes the gift he can add one of the cork ornaments with the correct day of the month on it.

      My sister brought  Toasted Ravioli with Marinarra, my sister-in-law brought a cheeseball and crackers and my other sister-in-law brought punch. We had a nice dinner together. We had Glazed Ham, White Cheddar Herbed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Soufle, Glazed Carrots, German Green Beans, Salad, Pumpkin Bread, Buttery Pan Rolls and Overnight Rolls.

      Then we shared gifts with each other. We played a game of Bunco as a family. It was a lot of fun. My mom made a favorie from my childhood, God Bless her! Banana Cream Pie- real whipped cream included! Hallelujah!! She made me my own whole pie that I didn't have to share with anyone. I ate the whole thing over the course of two days and I am not ashamed.

      Christmas in Battle Creek- We traveled to visit my husband's mom and sisters after Christmas. The kids had fun playing with all of their cousins. It was loud and fast paced and they loved it.

      We ate and talked and shared gifts. My husband took the kids out to slide on the iced over driveway. That was definitely a highlight for them. They came in soaked but happy.

      We got to attend church together. It is always nice to visit Brad's old church and see some more family and friends. We shared Sunday dinner before it was time to head out.

      New Year's Eve we're going bowling with some family friends and their church. Then we are heading over to my sister's house to ring in the New Year.

      New Year's Day the family is coming over to play games and watch football. We'll enjoy some appetizers and probable a big pot of my brother-in-laws favorite soup, Wisconsin Cheesy Potato Soup. I'll make Blueberry Muffins to go with the soup and we will have milkshakes later in the day.

      I have no idea how we are going to recover from all of this merry making. I'll start thinking about that on Satuday. Time to party...