Christmas

Here is a quick Christmas recap from the Cook family! We decided to brave the trek home to Michigan-an 11 hour drive! It went quite smoothly this time. Ben kept himself busy in the way back with his Leapster system, coloring books and toys. Addie was an angel baby and somehow entertained herself or slept for the entire trip. Sophie was her usual self and needed to have constant interaction with the parent in the passenger seat. The last hour and a half was a little hairy, but otherwise we managed to keep her somewhat happy. Luckily, Smokey did not make this trip with us, but instead stayed at a kennel in Virginia. He's a good passenger, but rest stops get a little chaotic with three kids and a dog!

We arrived late on the 23rd, just in time for bed. The kids were so excited to be at Oma and Little Pa's house!

We brought our stockings from home and actually took a picture of all three kids with them on Christmas Eve (this proved to be much more challenging on Christmas Day).



Addie fully enjoyed the present opening. Of course she loved the paper, boxes and bows, but she seemed to enjoy her presents too! She still had to perform her usual tricks-'I love my doll, but I love to stand more!'



It was a very princess Christmas for Sophie. We are still finding glitter on everything! She received a princess crown, princess dress up clothes and princess shoes! My parents also gave her a box of Disney princess dolls. She loves them! She is very into matching her princess shoes to whichever doll she is currently playing with.

Here is Sophie admiring her box of princess shoes from her Uncle Steve. (And of course she is dressed as 'Mermaid' or Disney's Ariel.)

Ben had a great Christmas too. He had so much fun with his grandparents, Uncle Matt and Jackie, Uncle Steve and Maria, and all those seconds cousins and great aunts and uncles! Christmas is the one time of year where our kids can be with all of their extended family. It was so good for them to be so showered with love and attention!

Our journey home was a very looooong one. Poor Addie was sick (but slept most the way) and Sophie split her tongue as we were getting ready to get in the car. Needless to say we got a later start than planned. Sophie couldn't eat anything for most of the ride home, although we were lucky to find jello at one stop and a yogurt parfait at another. She was cranky, cranky, but understandably so. Now about 10 days later, her poor tongue has just about healed but will probably have a scar.

Our rough ride home was brightened when we walked in and the kids realized that Santa had visited Virginia too! He brought a new, bigger bike for Benny, an art easel for all of the kids, and a kitchen for Sophie. It's been way too cold for Ben to take his bike out, but Sophie loves her kitchen! She makes lots of treats for us, but her specialty is making coffee while talking on the phone......

I hope you all enjoyed the many blessings of Christmas this year!