Holiday Cheer

Our Christmas post is a little overdue, no excuse really, just enjoying some time as a family after traveling throughout most of the month of December. Christmas got off to a rough start, but ended up being the best Christmas yet. We delayed our trip to Lafayette a night because of the terrible weather here in Chicago. Instead of driving down Tuesday night, we thought it would be a much easier drive early Christmas Eve day. Matt had woken up a few times during the night with terrible stomach pains and by the time we got to Lafayette they were so bad (and a few other symptoms, but I will spare everyone the details) we went straight to the hospital. After spending about 5 hours in the ER, he was finally released with the instructions to see his primary care physician when we returned home. Great! We ended up missing Christmas Eve mass, which I think was the first time for both of us in 30 years. Unfortunately, it had to happen on Ethan's first Christmas Eve, but we are just thankful that there was nothing seriously wrong with Matt.

We woke up Christmas morning to a family room filled with presents. While Ethan was pretty clueless to the fact that it was Christmas morning, he loved all the wrapping paper and ribbons, along with all the really cool toys he received. So far, I think his favorite is the "Learning Farm" piano he received from Grandma and Grandpa Hunt. After opening some wonderful gifts, the Addy and Ethan headed to bed for a little nap and the adults had fun opening the infamous Hunt stocking stuffers. We always get a good laugh about what Grandpa Larry finds for everyone. This year was no different! Thank you to Carol, Larry, Kelly, Jim, and Addy for a very generous Christmas! Ethan playing with his new Caterpillar!

After a delicious Christmas supper with the Ulrichs and Elmores, we got on the road and headed to Crystal Lake. Driving on Christmas Day is usually very easy and this year was no exception - only 2.5 hours which is a new land speed record (by the way, Matt has now taken over the authoring of this post, so beware for sarcastic and dry remarks.) The three of us met Grannie Annie and Papa Bob at a neighbor's house and enjoyed some delicious fondue before calling it an evening a bit early due to Matt still not being 100%.

The day after Christmas was spent enjoying a huge brunch/lunch with the McArdle family (Ali's mom's side if you don't know the name.) After brunch, it was time to celebrate the Konneker Christmas. The "kids" headed upstairs while Santa made his way down the chimney and delivered many wonderful presents. Because we spent most of the time opening presents in various states of food comas from an abundance of food at brunch, we decided to skip dinner at the CLCC and instead opted for a few games of Blokus, wine, and pizza! It was such a relaxing way to spend the evening and very enjoyable. Thank you to my mom and dad and Kristi and Ben for many wonderful presents and an amazing evening.

Ethan playing in the Christmas Tree - next year, he won't need help!

See pictures from Ethan's first Christmas here!