Merry Christmas!

Natalie, Nate, and I had a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth with all of our relatives. Thursday evening, Uncle David and Auntie Rhoda spent the evening playing, eating, and watching the Packer game. At bedtime, Natalie was still so excited about their visit, that she had a difficult time winding down. We kept hearing her pleading, "Anybody, anybody, Uncle David, Auntie Rhoda, Daddy, Mommy, come in here. I have an idea. How about..." After my unsuccessful attempts, Uncle David went down to Natalie's room to ask her what her idea was. Natalie stated that her idea was not to go to bed. Dave continued to talk with her, and he asked her what her favorite part of the day was. Her response made his night -- Natalie said that her favorite part was playing with him.

We spent a fun night with Grandpa Wes and Grandma Julie on Friday. Natalie enjoyed TJ Bearytales and her putter in the hotel all weekend.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed dinner with Grandpa Louis, Grandma Christy, and Uncle Joshua. On Sunday morning, we went to church at St. John's in Almond with Nate's family. It was a great service, and it was neat to watch Natalie sing "Away in a Manger" as the children were singing it in the front of the church. Natalie also enjoyed hanging out with Auntie Kelly during church, coloring and showing Auntie Kelly her baby.

Sunday afternoon and evening was spent in Delavan with my family. Natalie and her cousins had a great time opening their presents and going to church together. (I believe that the midnight bedtime the last couple evenings has thoroughly exhausted Natalie. Tonight she went to bed at 7:30 p.m., and I think she may be asleep already.)

We spent Monday with my parents and Uncle Gary, Auntie Theresa, and cousin Brian and Melissa. Natalie's cookie consumption was quite impressive for a 2-year old, and she also found a love for my mom's chex mix.

Natalie and Nate are both water-logged after having spent hours in the pool over the last 5 days. We truly had a wonderful time this Christmas with our families as we celebrated Jesus' birth!