I was thrilled that we were able to pile back into the car and head across the country to visit family in Wisconsin. I initially wanted to try to fly back to avoid yet another cross country road trip, but the costs were prohibitive and we all packed in the Pilot and hit the road. Everyone was such a trooper and didn't blink when we suggested another back to back 12 hour road trip. Luckily, it's much easier to drive back to a place that has cribs, beds, and a washer and dryer!  The boys were great and well rolled into the Anderson house in no time, after hitting a deer on the highway - which somehow didn't leave a scratch. Lucky! Lucky!!

We spent a few days with Jack and Kathy, Paul's brothers, and Paul's grandparents. We opened gifts, frosted cookies, and Drewman took advantage of all the holiday lights, candles and electrical switches that comes with the holiday decorations. We also had the chance to run up north and enjoy the botanical gardens in Green Bay. The festival of lights is great, we started out walking around enjoying the lights with the boys snuggled into the double bob stroller. Drew was even spoiled with a light necklace, given his fascination with electricity in general. We then got into a horse carriage ride to view the remaining lights in the garden. It was such a nice evening, sharing it with Paul's grandparents, my parents, and the whole family.  We snuck in a few pictures and got hot chocolate to warm up. After a few days romping around the house in Appleton we went up to Green Bay to check in with my parents!

We took full advantage of being at my parents house by taking the boys swimming and going for walks around the neighborhood. It was nice to be able to take a few days off from studying and fully enjoy the process of relaxation and spending time with family. I even started to read a book - GASP!?

Before our family Christmas party we took a road trip out to Eddie Whipp's, where Paul and I got married and the home of the best roasted chicken in Northeast Wisconsin! The little boys joined us for the road trip and enjoyed the Whippy chicken experience. We then prepared for two full days of Christmas parties, starting with my mom's side of the family and followed by my dad's side of the family!

We had a fun time catching up with family, sitting on Santa's lap and soaking in the holidays!

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