Christmas with the Gross'

We had quite the whirlwind Christmas around here. Never fails that someone was sick. Four days before the big day Chloe started complaining of a headache..... I ignored her because I just thought she didn't want to go to bed. So we took her temp and sure enough it was 103.5. Awesome. So she slept with me and cuddled all night, the next day she complained of a sore throat so I took her in and she was negative for strep but my dear sweet doctor knew how desperate I was to make her feel better that she hooked us up with some meds while the 48 hour culture went out. By the next day she was so much better, but by this time my throat was a bit itchy. My brother and nephew Jack flew in from Seattle and we were so excited to go see them. We spent the whole day playing and watching movies. By the time Christmas Eve rolled around I too was running a fever, but I trudged on and headed to church. Lily had a great time climbing up and down the stairs. I however did not enjoy following her. Chloe loved the candle lit finish and we were headed to my mom's. We spent about twenty minutes there and I knew I needed to go. I was so sick and just wanted to sleep. But I knew we had to put together toys for Santa and stockings. We are just so nice to help him out :)

Christmas morning was early and B and I were awake before the girls. I had to get ready because I hate those pictures of me when I am not. So I dragged myself out of bed and did what I could. We waited, and waited, and waited and finally at eight oclock I heard the door knob turn and Chloe was up. Although she had sort of forgotten why I was so excited for her, until I reminded her that Santa had come. We got Lily up and went to check out the goods. Chloe did not get the horse. I did find one on Craigslist but it just wasn't the right one and so I stuck with a cd player and night stand that she asked for also. She screamed out so loud when she saw the Big Time Rush cd. Hilarious. Lily got a ball popper and you know the things she needs ; sippy cups, shoes, bath wash :) Santa is so smart.

Afterwards we enjoyed my delicious, only make at Christmas butterscotch rolls. They are seriously delish. and so easy. Then we headed to my parents house. It was so fun to watch the kids open their gifts, I was trying really hard to be present but I was really wanting a nap. Jackson's mom Jaime flew in for the day and it was special to have everyone together again. My mom as usual had a plethera of food and we made sure to taste everything. Brandon, Lily and I headed home for naps while Chlo stayed to play. I really made an effort to nap, but instead I spent two hours putting away toys and clothes and throwing out boxes. Takes forever.

Then it was off to the Gross'. We had an amazing ham dinner and opened even more presents. I think my girls were quite overwhelmed by the time the night was done. Well Lily was, Chloe kept asking for more gifts :) Love four year olds. We had such a wonderful Christmas. I couldn't be more blessed with the amount of love our family gives us. Having both Ryan and Jaime here was a special treat that I hope we get every year. I am finally six days later feeling alive. But do need to apologize because I am pretty sure that now half of my family has this junk including Brandon. Next year I am keeping us in a bubble for two weeks before Christmas to avoid any of us getting sick :) If only it were that simple. xoxo