The Beginning of the Trip

After a crazy flight in the midst of the major snowstorm in the Midwest, thinking we had missed our connecting flight, but being lucky enought to have it held for us, and terrible driving conditions on the way home, including a stretch of road where it was snowing so furiously you couldn't see a foot in front of you, we made it to MJ's mom's house.

Our first full day was Christmas Eve and we planned a fondue (it's tradition) dinner for that night. We had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner complete with lots of vodka and cranberry juice as well as wine. It was such an enjoyable time.

Our Sister - in - law Annette (left) and her sister Joyce













MJ's mom and I













MJ with her mom













The two of us with MJ's brother Jim













After we enjoyed our wonderful dinner, we deicded to play 6 - 5 - 4 (it's a dice game for those of you who don't know) - and this is where the hilarity began. We played until 2 in the morning, and I have not laughed as much or as hard as I did that evening. It was just plain sillyness, but oh, so enjoyable. I'll let the pics speak for themselves!

Christmas Part Two

Christmas Day was lots of fun! Scott (MJ's brother) came over with the kids - Sam, Ben, and Alex. We had a great time opening stockings and the kids had fun opening presents. MJ and I gave everyone Flarrp in their stockings. This is the best stuff because when you stick your fingers in it, it makes farting noises. I don't know who had more fun with it - the kids or the adults. We almost got it confiscated at the airport as it was over the 3 oz liquid limit, but luckily we had a great security guy who let us through. Mind you, this is not a liquid, but whatever!

Here are some pics of the kids playing with their fart putty! The second pic is of Grandma Jo (MJ's mom) looks on as the kids open presents and play. Then, Jim and Annette enjoy the festivities. Finally is a cute little video of Alex and Ben playing with the "awesome" race track that their Uncle Jim and Aunt Annette bought for them. I remember playing with one of these when I was a kid. I love the laughter you hear as they just have some good Christmas fun!

We had a wonderful breakfast of Egg bake, sausage patties, and pull apart bread - YUM! We spent a bunch of time in the afternoon playing Wii as I brought mine along. Playing Wii is always cause for a good time!

Sam and Annette playing tennis.

Scott and Jim (MJ's brothers) playing a friendly game of baseball.

On Saturday the 27th, we all went to the Best Western in Mankato for the evening. MJ's mom bought the rooms as her Christmas gift to us. We set up a couple of tables poolside and carried in the the munchies and coolers of beverages!

The kids had a great time swimming in the pool.

The adults played 6-5-4 a dice game for most of the evening and we ordered pizza to be delivered poolside. We had such a great time that we made reservations for next year already!

Coming tomorrow- Ice Fishing Adventures!