keel family christmas

As I mentioned none of us were at the top of our health this Christmas break so the only time all of us were together was when we were opening presents after all of our little families finished their separate Christmases.      

My kids were the only kids who got sick so the cousins had plenty of play time together and a couple of spend the nights in between all the pitiful adults.  We also got to squeeze in at least one fun activity with each of my siblings individually so there was some togetherness had during the week.  We introduced Settlers of Catan to both my brothers on separate occasions.  David and Christina liked it a lot which made my parents excited because now they'll have someone else to play with down there.  Tim had a different opinion of the game but is still willing to try it again so that's something :)

While this Christmas won't go down as the most fun and relaxing one of all, any time I get to have with my family is better than nothing!

christmas morning

We chose to spend Christmas morning at my parents' home in Alabama so we'd have more time with them before having to go to Atlanta on Friday for a wedding.  However, we ended up giving everyone the stomach bug we picked up from Zach's family so our time together was not exactly how we imagined it would be :(

Logan was sick Sunday, Connor was sick Sunday night and Monday, I got sick Christmas Day, my parents, brothers and sister in law the day after Christmas and my sister and Micah the next day.  So far Zach and my nieces have held out but me typing this may just push him over the edge :/

Thankfully I was good until after present opening so we were able to enjoy our Christmas morning very much.  The boys woke up around 6:45 and we all piled in our bed so Zach could read the Christmas story before we headed out to look under the tree.  Micah and Connor got two wheel razor scooters from Santa and Logan got a little wheelies car ramp.  Among other things were Mario Kart for the wii, legos, and a drum pad for Micah and cowboy boots, a paper jam guitar and microphone for Connor.  According to Micah his favorite things were the pack of gum and Dr. Pepper in his stocking.  Good to know he's that easy to please ;)

While I missed the majority of their playtime with their new toys I could hear the excitement through the walls and it made me more thankful (if that's even possible) for my awesome husband who did a great job making sure they had a great Christmas Day without me.

checking out the Santa tracker with Aunt Stina

After the elves finished their job

bells will be ringing

Zach's dad's family has a bell ringing Christmas party every year.  We have not been able to make it for the last two years but were able to go this year.  Tom's twin brother hosts all of us at his home in Athens.  We don't get to see that part of the family very often so it's always nice to catch up and let them see all the kids.  The boys love the bells and the adults have lots of fun with it too!

may family christmas

We spent the weekend before Christmas with Zach's family having our Christmas time together.  It was a wonderful day of play, gift giving, game playing and humorous conversation, even if we did pick up a stomach bug from one of the babies that was then passed on to three different families!