NYE

We were lucky enough to get to spend 5 days at my parent's house for our family's Christmas celebration. Spending a big chunk of time like that together definitely does not happen much anymore, so I am so thankful that we were able to all make it work.

Of course, on Saturday after getting to Grandma and Grandpa's, we had to open presents first. Punky and Buddy got a lot of fun toys (which I am still trying to find spots for at home).





The weather has been so unbelievably cold this winter. On top of the chilly temperatures, the wind at the farm is always wicked. It made going outside difficult, but we did manage to sneak out on Sunday afternoon.



There wasn't much snow and it isn't much of a hill, so Derek had to give a super big push!







Buddy didn't last too long outside because he started eating snow (face first; without using hands). He got chilly quickly, so we made our way back to the house slowly.





Derek spotted some animal (fox?) tracks in the creek.  Buddy was convinced they were from a mountain lion.... or Garfield, one of the new farm cats.



Sleep was very difficult for both kids this time at Grandma and Grandpa's. Four nights away from your own bed is hard even for adults. And Buddy had a really hard time sleeping in a new spot. He was up most nights screaming for Mama and somehow I never woke and heard him. One night Shannon got up with him after she couldn't even wake me. And one night Grandma had to chase Buddy around the upstairs as she tried to convince him that she would help him find me. Another night, Buddy found himself upstairs again and Uncle Nate helped him to find me.

I am sure all the excitement and playing with cousins added to it, but the kids were exhausted. It was no surprise then that after waking up early and going to bed late for a few days and then playing outside in the snow, Buddy fell asleep early on Monday. This was the day that we were to have our big prime rib supper because Abby was able to join us after having to work all weekend long. Poor Buddy missed last year's meal too because he fell asleep early. Maybe he'll be away in 2014?



The rest of our weekend was spent hanging out together watching movies, doing crafts, playing computer. The adults stayed up late every night playing cards and we were even able to sneak a few afternoon games in while the kids were engrossed in whatever they were doing.





Grandma taught the Hofstadters how to make kolaces (a Czech pastry).



We had fun playing beauty shop. Punky, Auntie, Leah and even Buddy and Grandpa got in on the make-overs! The first time involved make-up that Punky received as a gift. The second time involved cousin Abby's real make-up. We are going to have our hands full in 10 to 12 years!





It was a great long weekend.  I hope we'll spend many more like this in the future!