Catching up with Christmas Part II

Once we leave the McCrea side of the family tree, we are off to the Miedema side (they're just a couple miles apart). The kids know that Santa makes a stop here, too.

After the fun of presents with Grandma, Papa, Great-Grandma, Cousin Matthew, and Carl, it is time for a delicious home-cooked sit down dinner. The evening continues with a relaxed mix of exploring new toys and enjoying each other's company.

While our Christmas schedule is happily set, the rest of our vacation is always full of new things.

Christmas 2007 had the Grandmas taking Kaci to get her ears pierced:

(This is the "before"picture--I can't find the "during" and "after" pictures, but she did do very well...just a few tears and one shrill scream.)

We went to Knott's Berry Farm and reconfirmed the notion that Kaci LOVES roller coasters and Jared HATES them:

Some random Christmas 2007 memories:

*Lightning McQueen ruled Jared's world.

*Cinderella and make-up took center stage for Kaci.

*This was the year that everyone was sick at some point- except for us. Those Alabama peanuts must have some kind of immunity that kept us from falling prey to the illness.

*The last minute Dirty Santa Swap in my parents' house should be a tradition.

*Being surrounded by your family during a sad event is a blessing.