Nebraska-style Christmas

The house is quiet. Pandora is quietly lulling me with songs about Frosty, Baby Jesus, Santa's sleigh, and the holy night of Jesus birth. Every once in a while I hear Sage squeak in protest for more lunch from my pre-married-Crystal bedroom. But otherwise, I hear the creaks of my childhood home as the wind whips outside. The noise machine is feeding static through the monitor signifying that Chloe Jane is still fasssssst asleep. Mimi and Papa have stolen into their room for a quick nap after a morning of juggling babies. And here I sit, reflecting on the last few days in Nebraska....

After a crazy, crazy short Tuesday-night-but-technically-Wednesday-morning, we loaded up at 2am and headed to San Francisco. We'd been driving for about 90 minutes with a quiet car. All the sudden, from the silent back seat, Chloe yells "KISS-MAS!!". I knew the sand-paper scratchy, dry-to-the-bone eyes and dull roar of a headache were worth it alllll.

Thursday morning we got to pick up our "Auntie Header & Baby Zage" in Grand Island. A trip to WalMart & Starbucks before coming home to see Zade, Brynn-ie, Norah & Auntie Sarah. Grammy Ross came over to play for a few minutes before naptime so it was a baby-swap from one adult to the next. Chloe has been more territorial than I expected so anytime that naptimes gets close, she will whine until I put down the baby and pick her up. I can't say I've minded the extra snuggles too much  :)

Baby Sage & Baby Norah

Friday was chill. Too much food, lots of passing the babies around, kisses, and fighting over Mimi's attention.

 

Saturday was spent with just Mimi, Papa, Chloe and I in Grand Island, playing games, filling stockings, then we all went over to Tyson & Sarah's house for yummy chicken noodle and buster bar dessert. The kiddos had a change of pace and new toys which added a new level of fun -- and fighting.

Sunday we went to see Zade sing at church. Uh-dorable. Chloe went to nursery with Brynn then we all came home for taco salad and naps for the kids + Mimi. The boys scratched their armpits and shot their guns while Sarah & I chatted about kids, being a grownup now, and how messy but beautiful life is.

After naps and tears and last minute wrapping, we gathered around the tree to open gifts. We only bought and exchanged among the littles this year in hopes of keeping things small, saving money, and enjoying their delight. And boooooy were they delighted...

 

{Justin was unable to get off work at his new job so he joined by Skype to see the gift exchange. Wasn't nearly enough of him but still fun to see how technology can bring him one step closer...}

Today is Monday. My week is over half over and my heart is getting sad. What a wonderful time with family and friends. What a beautiful sight to see cousins play and laugh together.What a cool thing to see how God took Sarah & Heather, orchestrated them into my brothers' lives, and gave me sister-in-laws who love to come and sit for hours with us. What a blessing to get to spend this year with my family after, at least, 6 years of missing the celebration. What an adventure it has been. What an amazing Nebraska-style Christmas.