We had a fun winter break. Matt was home for the entire week. I was working on a "Homemade" Christmas.... so I was sewing the last few days leading up to Christmas making Bags for friends and Family. We spent Christmas Eve with Laura and Tim, Susan and Mike and Marisol, Victor and Olga (Katya's Mom and Dad), Mom and Dad, Katya, Matt and Ilya, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Marvin, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Albert and Aunt Esther, Dick and Claire and John and Janet. Lots of laughs, presents and good food. This was a great idea that Susan had to get everyone together.

Christmas Day Morning was spent here at home. The kids got what they wanted from Santa- a real baseball bat for Cam, Whiffle Ball Bat and Balls for Jonah and a wooden dollhouse for Aleida. It was everything they wanted and the best part was Santa didn't go overboard- how great to see them happy with "so little". But don't' worry---- they were overwhelmed with great toys and crafty stuff from Grammie and Grampie- Aunts and Uncles and Nana and Papa! At 2 we went over to Nana and Papa's to celebrate another great christmas event. Sara and Bill were there as well. Nana had suprised us with a camcorder-- which she gave us the day before. We have Christmas recorded this year! She made our "favorite foods" dinner- pork tenderloins with a bit of everything to satisfy our needs for favorite foods. We shared our favorites of Fruits and also "Cheesy Mashed Potatoes".

That Thursday we went with our friends Paula and Doug to Bristol Mountain to go skiiing. It was a rainy cool day- not the best for skiiing- but we had great company so it was lots of fun.

Saturday Matt and Steve went out to the Farm to do some goose hunting- Sunday too. They had a good time, but didn't see too much- or at least nothing they could get at from their position.

Sunday I went with Nicolet and David with the kids to Pavillion to Bob and Liz Wilcox's house. It was a very nice time- there were probaly 35 people there... we always enjoy the Aldridge Family Parties at their house as they have a large house (old) with a big ball room. Something that only pictures or a visit can describe. Our kids got many presents from adoring relatives- without the kids- adults would not be entertained- so the gifts were appropriate. I think they would have preformed for everyone's enjoyment without any gifts under the tree.

Monday- NEW YEARS EVE!! WE went to Nicolet and Davids for a relaxing afternoon- then left the kids for a sleep over and headed to the Video STore and Aldi's for a snack. Matt and I enjoyed a Bottle of Wine, snacks and "Blades of Glory"... we laughed, and were glad to be together for the New Year.

Mom (Nicolet) and I took the kids early Tuesday to the Mall to walk before the stores opened. They were able to get some exercise and get rid of some of their energy... I came up with a few more purse ideas in the afternoon and I think- it might have been one of the nicer Holiday Breaks we have had in a while!