Skip to main content

On Christmas We Celebrated with Brooke's Family

By
We woke up before the sun got up to get to Wisconsin. I forgot again about the time change so really we could have slept in another hour.

On this whole trip we listened to the popular podcast "Serial". It really helped the long drives more bearable. I can't wait for Season 2. 

We decided to avoid tolls on the way to Appleton. I'd rather see downtown Chicago than some banal suburbs.

We were getting hungry right around the Wisconsin border. I saw a sign for O&H Bakery. That can mean only one thing: kringle. The gas station on one side of the road was closed.

We went across the road to the Petro Travel Stop. That one was not only open, but had a mini O&H inside. We got Wisconsin Kringle with cranberries, cherries and cream cheese.

It made up for the Christmas morning cinnamon rolls my brother always makes.

When we arrived at my parents I changed Meadow into her new dress. I started knitting this dress back in September and finished it a week before. I made it a few inches longer so she can wear it for a while.

Meadow opened her gift from her Great Grandma from the Romenesko Christmas. Candy and money.

My mom surprised me with a new ornament.

We sipped on Old Fashions while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Thanks Blake.

Everyone finally arrived, well not Jeff, Brittany and Marina, so we started opening presents. I got some new tools and a gift card to put towards a ladder  from the in-laws and the awesome kayak paddle I'd wanted from Dan and Brooke.

If you've read about Romenesko Christmases in the past you know there are going to be a lot of presents to open.


Meadow got some new bath toys and towel from Chelsea and Dan. A fruit puzzle from my mom.

Mike got an axe from somebody and decided to be a wise guy about it. There's my sweet new paddle!

We all got some really great presents.

I can't wait to go apple picking next year to try out my new apple peeler. I also got a new kayak paddle and bike shorts. No more sore butt for me. 

Scott was taking a photo of Brittany opening her gift from him. Actually this was great timing because you see Jeff reading Nolan's shirt.

Looks like Meadows going to have a fifth cousin.

Marina was practicing on her potty box. Well not literally.

Gail got an automated cat litter box. I think this was more for Mr. Mike.

I like that it was from Jaspurr.

Meadow got a cool new camera from Brittany and Jeff.

Meadow also got a new wooden sled from my mom. Too bad there isn't any snow to try it out.

I told you that the presents don't stop coming. I was getting hungry at this point.

Once my aunt and Grandma arrived we had to open more. Meadow got a new rolling pin. We got a donkey, lamb and angel to add to our Nativity scene.

Aunt Jill loves her great-nieces and nephews. I love food.

Blake was working on his 4th drink of the night. "Who's counting?" he says. I am Blake, I am.

I was getting a little tipsy at this point. I slowed down, but I don't think Blake ever slowed down.

This was a good Christmas despite all the driving.

Labels:

Comments

Amanda said…
Brooke I want to see Meadow's dress! You made it? So cool. Lots of nice gifts. :) Looks like another great time.
8:15 PM, January 01, 2015
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brooke Turns 40, We Return to the Riverside Cabin at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

By
This year is my 40th birthday. We originally thought we'd go to Mackinac Island and also played with the idea of going to Montreal. With a spring break trip coming up we settled on a cabin on the Gunflint Trail. The Gunflint Trail is one of our favorite spots in Minnesota. So, why not? We'd also decided to go on another campervan/RV relocation adventure at the end of the month. So don't act like I don't treat my honey. On our drive up we stopped at Tobie's to get cinnamon bread for french toast.  Just like a few years back we stopped at Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth. I feel like we have to document whenever these kids get along as it's a rarity these days.  We got the frybread tacos, but the kids stuck with the corn tortilla options. We brought along our projector and stopped at Blake's house to steal his internet to download videos. Once we got to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and unloaded our stuff, we crossed the river to explore the trails briefly. Our feet ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A 39th Birthday Cottage Visit and Ice Skating "The Glide" in Boulder Junction

By
Back at the cottage for my (early) birthday weekend. Where else would I go for my birthday? I'm a simple man. Grandpa cleared a rink and a little loop for us. Theo just wanted dig in the snow. Meanwhile Meadow and I went cross country skiing on the Anvil Ski Trail. Meadow said she would only go with me if we did a trail with hills. We hiked this a few years ago and it was quite hilly.  She was an old pro on the hills while I wiped out.  We didn't make it too far as Meadow complained her boots were too tight. I made her check the fit a few weeks ago and she claimed they were fine... Was a beautiful trail in the Nicolet National Forest.
Post a Comment
Read more

Backcountry Camping with Kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

By
Day 1  Back in May I stumbled upon Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I had no idea there was a National Park in North Dakota and that it was the northern end of the Badlands. Usually our summer vacations coincide with Scott's work trips. Since he didn't have any this summer I thought we should take advantage of actually taking a vacation. What, my workcations are always classics? I suppose a second real vacation this year wouldn't hurt. We definitely have more time than normal. As long as we took Covid-19  precautions and avoided people. We finally settled on a time to go. Blake joined us so we borrowed our dad's van so we could ride together. Scott had just driven from Michigan the day before. Blake had met my parents in Wisconsin to get the van and then drove from Duluth to pick us up. I offered to drive since I literally only drive twice a month.  I was still pretty tired from a long drive home. Since we were near Fergus Falls we had to stop by the abandoned state ho...
Post a Comment
Read more