Four Christmases - or was it Five???

Because we are now a family divided, we have gone to an "every-other-year" format for holidays. Last year we were home for Christmas, which meant that this year we traveled to Iowa to celebrate with my family.

This in turn caused slight chaos with our holiday traditions.

After a quick phone call to the North Pole, we were able to convince Santa to drop off a few gifts early. He obliged, and just in the "nick" of time! He brought Isabella some Legos, Anthony some t-shirts, and Lisa McDonald's gift cards!


We hopped on a plane and flew into Omaha - only a 3 hour drive away from my parent's house...

Christmas away from home was different. We were able to spend Christmas morning lounging and opening gifts at my parent's house. Santa found us in Iowa, and we were relieved! Isabella received her very own Elmo Laptop! She, of course, loves the sounds!


By Christmas afternoon, we were back on the road, heading up to see my grandparents. So, Christmas Number 3 we celebrated that evening. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Morgan gave Isabella a Jack-in-the-Box that she loves! The POP does not phase her one bit, unless her mama puts a Lego on the lid and it hits her square on the forehead. Of course, this is probably more shock that her mama would actually fling a piece of plastic right at her face. Hmmm.


On the 26th, we packed up camp and headed north to spend more Christmas with my mom's family. We all piled in my aunt and uncle's house and had a great time! My sister drove down on Saturday, and many of my cousins and their kids were all there to celebrate! We celebrated Christmas Number 4 in a hotel room with Auntie Sara, my parents, and us. Isabella got a book that came straight from the Louvre in Paris from Aunt Sara.


Christmas 4.1 was to happen later Saturday evening, but our little one is an "early-to-bedder", so we missed out. The "whole" family celebrated together and had a wonderful time!


This concludes that good part of our trip. Sunday morning both my mom and I woke up with some kind of terrible stomach flu. I am still recovering from it...


But, we made it home, by the grace of God! We were able to celebrate the Alvino Christmas on New Year's Day. It was definitely worth the wait, and tons of fun! Isabella got a new vacuum (what's that???) and a Cabbage Patch Doll. She also got a Sock Monkey from Auntie Abby and some Play-Do (that went right in the mouth!) from Uncle Jared, Auntie Ann, and Madalyn.


Christmas lasted for a long time, but, we both realized it was time to "de-Christmas" the house, so this past Saturday the lights came down out of the trees, the ornaments and decorations were put back in their boxes, and the tree was smashed and put back on the shelf. I haven't put my nativity or my houses away yet, but they're next.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who made this past holiday season so wonderful! From the Cookie Exchange to the tasty lasagna dinner, we had an excellent Christmas.