Can you say "Christmas Flurry"?

This has been an incredibly busy week! Monday was home school class. That is busy enough for one day, but we added more to the mix! Bill, the kids & Margaret went shopping to finish up their Christmas shopping. Tracey & I had the opportunity to get out "just Mom's" again for supper and an evening to pick up stocking stuffers. We had a nice evening out, and came home at a respectable time of 9:30!
Tuesday we spent the morning doing laundry and getting some of the decorations up. Grandma wrapped her gifts, and packed our "Michigan Gifts" in her suitcase for travel tomorrow. Afterward, we dropped the kids at Tracey's and went out to finish shopping for them.
Wednesday it was up & off to the airport. The kids stayed at the O'Hara's so they didn't have the long drive, plus, it was fun for them, and they didn't get the mopey Grandma went home faces! A quick run to Costco to pick up some items, and then back to pick up the kids. We then headed into town to pick out our Christmas tree. After a succesful venture, we headed home to get supper and watch "White Christmas".
Thursday we spent at home getting ready for Friday's Christmas party. The kids were great in helping to get things done, and we did a lot of decorating. Ryan & I spent most of the afternoon working on the porch. With new steps and railing it was a challenge to get it all covered! After supper, Bill helped us get the tree in the stand and we decorated the tree and watched "Miracle on 34th St" It was the 1st time I'd seen it!
Friday we went to Kristin's last dance class and then off to finish shopping for Daddy and to pick up the last minute party items for tomorrow. Everything is finished except the cooking, and the floors..which would be silly to do before tomorrow!

Saturday we had a leisurely morning, and then we finished a few things. Bill & I even snuck in a nap before the party. We were just working on the floors when Rod, Lissa & Brandon showed up early to help out, and give us chance to visit. It was great to cuddle Brandon, but he cried every time I got him. (See Jen, it's not just you!). The rest of the party crew(such as it was) arrived at 5:30, we shared a great meal and had a nice visit before the exchange. As usual, the exchange was a ton of fun, and this year, the Starbucks Coffee set and a night light lamp from Christmas Story were the big hits. It was a mellow evening, and we enjoyed the slower pace. It was quite different. The only kids there were our own, plus Brandon & Audrie! We've been used to a house full, and laughed that we only needed 8 gift exchange slips! We were over 20 last year!

Sunday we woke and went to church. It was if Pastor Tom had been with us this week, as we both felt he was speaking to us. We enjoyed fellowship at the potluck after church, and then the O'Hara's followed us home to spend a nice relaxing afternoon together. The kids made crafts, cookies, and then played games together. It was a great afternoon for all of us, and certainly put us in the Christmas Spirit. We have another busy week slated...so watch for more updates!