HoLiDaY Hoopla!

The season has been brilliant and bright thus far! Lots of travels. Lots of laughter. Lots of gifts. Lots of good food too. The season sessions of seasonal fun began on Saturday, we woke up early (6 a.m.) to begin our trek by 8:30 and  traveled three hours down to Lansing just in time for the Hoover Christmas party. It was fun to see the family that we haven't seen in years... four years to be exact. Daddy didn't want to go but we made him... while it wasn't one of better trips (crying, crabby, unhappiness filling the car) -- that was mostly daddy! We got to visit with family and have lots of quality time with those we haven't seen in years. They were quite surprised to see how grown up you both are already. It was nice catching up with family, after the party we went back to Great Gramma's house where Kailee had a hug meltdown. Which made us leave quickly and go back to the hotel. After we filled your bellies you both were sleeping by 8 p.m. which sounds early but it's nearly an hour past your bedtime and when you're tired from traveling and playing with cousins; it was not early enough. We were up by 5 a.m. but didn't roll out of bed until 8 a.m. and then we got ready and went to church with Grampa Bob, Great Gramma Hoover, Aunt Gina and Makenna. (Gramma Sandee didn't make it down because Gilligan was sick and the kennels will not take sick doggies.)

After church we went back to Great Gramma's for a while to visit then we went over to the Kittle party where Grace got in big trouble and had to be taken out of the restaurant because she was so obnoxious. (Grace ended up having to write an apology letter because we had to leave so early because of her.) After that we went over to the Spalding Christmas party and visited with more relatives who again were shocked at how grown up you both have become over the last 4 years. You were both very good girls and played with your long lost 2nd or 3rd cousins... we're not exactly sure which they were and maybe there were both - who knows? Tons of people though. Then we made the long, white knuckling trip home... we hit fog... not just a little light fog that you would see in a scary movie... not it was that dense fog that makes it impossible to see... the last 1 1/2 of the trip mommy prayed a lot that God would guide us home safely.

We came home to D.S. on strike because you both were so naughty! Which is a huge bummer. Monday morning we were surprised to still see him on strike but it seemed that's just what you needed to realize how important getting along is because ever since you have been your sweet, "no - no, let me help you I insist" selves. The Christmas spirit is within you both and it's beaming bright! Tuesday you were so adorable; writing letters to each other saying how amazing you each are as sisters... and the blessings that you add to one anothers lives. I cannot believe a 8 and 7 year old could come up with this stuff but you did and my heart is over flowing with love! Tuesday afternoon Kailee came home from school early; she complained of a stomach ache and just wasn't feel up to par. So, she's be home ever since... I guess her Christmas break started a few days early. Mommy hasn't been feeling that well either; same symptoms as Kailee - an upset belly when I eat which makes sitting very uncomfortable.

These are the ones we made for Auntie Angela. Aren't they adorable?!

We finished up our hand print ornaments Wednesday. It was nice to be able to check that off the list of to-dos.

Kailee & I just realized we haven't done our family name exchange yet; (same rules as last year - all handmade and cannot tell anyone). I think this is my most favorite tradition that we have started. The creativity that flows from you hoolies when you want to be giving is just breathtaking! I hope one of you receive my name. xoxo (No offense to daddy because last year he tried but he made me an ornament with pictures of you both from 2009 not 2011 on it.) We will update on who we receive later... well after Christmas of course! Kailee decided since Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou are going to spend the night here Christmas Eve we should include them in on the secret exchange too.

Gg decided to yank another tooth out last night! She did it while we were talking to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou over the Wii U. It was hilarious because she didn't expect it to come out either!!

Tooth #8 lost! Total from all teeth: $26. (G lost her seventh tooth when we were downstate with Uncle Lou for Great Gramma's funeral and we all know that Uncle Lou knows the tooth fairy - so his extra connections get the kids prime amounts for lost teeth. $10 for 1 tooth! Crazy!!!) Her first tooth got her $5 and the second - sixth were $2 each in quarters making her total $15 then, she lost her seventh tooth which she raked in $10 for; totaling $25 and last night she scored another $1 for tooth #8. Madness - who knew teeth could be worth so much!! I told her to keep saving it because she's going to need braces!

It's been a bright and cheerful week inspite of the little tummy troubles but we're going to make due and enjoy the season no matter what!! 

Our tentative schedule for the rest of our holiday affairs; Sunday: going to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's to have our "Christmas meal" together because Uncle Josh has to work. Monday: (Christmas Eve) going to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's to celebrate Christmas and see Great Gramma Ruthie, Grampa Lou & Gramma Deb will come back here to sleep and wake up with us on Christmas Tuesday: (Christmas Day) going over to Grampa Bob & Gramma Sandee's for Christmas evening and celebrate with them. Then we spend the rest of Christmas break with daddy because he's off the entire week!