Christmas With E and Papa

We traveled up to Healdsburg this weekend to celebrate Christmas with Damien's parents before we ventured up north to see my parents. Miraculously- my kids did a lot better than usual on the two hour drive up there. Basically- our only real variable these days is Emily and she did great which helped us start the trip off on the right foot! We were so happy to be able to spend the weekend up there. His parents have a great little cottage next to their house where all six of us could pile in and be comfortable. The first night we were there- we had our gift exchange where the kids got hooked up! New pajamas, toys, books, and so much more. They are very blessed to have E and Papa in their lives!

Emily was a touch fussy this weekend so I didn't get out my camera much. Okay- only once. I am pretty bummed. Wouldn't you know the only pictures I got were of Michael and Matthew playing ping pong (a favorite of their E's) in their new PJ's? Thankfully- the memories of the weekend are vivid and filed away in my already full brain. That's got to count for something! We stayed around the house for the better part of the weekend which was nice because we could relax and enjoy each other. We played Catch Phrase and Michael and Claire went crazy over it. By the end of the weekend- we couldn't get them to stop playing it! Our last morning there- we had a delicious breakfast cooked by Marlene. She really makes the best french toast. Michael has asked her several times for the recipe because he wants to make it for his kids when he gets older. So cute. She let him help with the whole breakfast and I know he felt really special. Thanks to E and Papa for a fabulous weekend. We needed the break and enjoyed having our very own special Christmas with you!