The Koops in Milwaukee: January 2012

Christmas seemed to creep up on us this year despite being pretty prepared thanks to online shopping and the kids being in school until the 23rd. We had a great time watching Christmas programs, baking, frosting cookies (this was done with 6 boys - very daring...I deserve an award for that one!), and wrapping presents frantically every night. And then suddenly, here it is. Christmas.

We mixed things up a bit this year. We stayed in Elmhurst on Christmas Eve, leaving to see our families in Michigan on Christmas Day. It was so great to have a quiet night with the boys. Well, as quiet as it gets here, that is. We allowed a couple of presents to be opened. The first was photo books that I made for the each boy. Kids love looking at themselves and I loved seeing their surprised expressions. Then came the Wii games. The surprise was 'Just Dance.' We had so much fun dancing and it got a bit heated with the competition! But, the best girl won, of course!

The morning came early...Jacob was up at 5:15, but thankfully waited until 5:45 to come see us. we waited until 6:30 and FINALLY Jeb woke up. I'm not sure he was fully awake, but a present got shoved in his face anyway. By 7:00, the Santa gifts were opened and everyone was busy playing. Jeb was the best to watch...so excited no matter what the present was. Although Cars 2 DVD got the biggest yell! We pulled away for breakfast and to pull out Christmas Crackers. And then we opened a few more presents. The guns. The guns I swore I would never buy. The guns that the boys were ecstactic about. The Nerf guns. I have to admit, I had a bit of fun with them too. There goes the house, as if it hasn't already.

Then on to the car to Michigan for fun with cousins and, of course, more presents. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and watch the kids get so excited just to play with cousins that they don't see often enough. And in the end, when we asked the kids about their favorite part of Christmas, it was the show that they put on with their cousins - a nativity play. And isn't that what Christmas is all about? A little baby in a manger and six little kids who want to retell it in order to remind the busy adults that it isn't all about the baking, the food, and even the presents. Thanks for that reminder.

Lastly, I wish I would have taken the time to write down quotes from Aiden. He was on fire. But, I only remember one, although I laughed at more than a few. Here is the best of the bunch:

Tom got new boots - black, European looking dress boots. He asked for them and I got them. He put them on, a bit unsure of this new style, but we talked it over and thought they looked good. And then Aiden came up from playing and said this, "Wow Daddy did you get new boots? Those are AWESOME! They look just like mommy's!" - And the boots were taken off immediately and sent back the following day. ;)