x-mas vacation recap

We can't believe its already February and March is almost at our doorstep. Again, we were very lucky to have had a nice long visit with both sides of the family. I guess its one of the benefits of working at the college level and DIII level. We whisked the kids away (via an 8 hour car ride) to MN to visit the Keyser side of the family. We met up with folks in MN as well as other visitors (the Popp family and Rube and Sophie). It was great to see everyone, esp for Jackson to spend quality time with Conner. They don't get to see nearly enough of each other so it makes the long visits worth it in the end. After catching up, opening presents, playing outside, and the boys chasing each other non-stop, we packed up the car again and drove on over to WI to visit the Bouressa side of the family. Immediately upon arrival we had a great family party at Aunt Kay and Uncle Mark's house - delicious food, good drinks, great company and more presents. The night got a bit long and after Jackson (accidentally) broke one of Kay and Mark's lamps, Mom and Dad figured we probably should have left sooner then later. We all felt horrible, especially Jackson who quickly hide under the pool table. Poor guy but Aunt Kay is the best and gave Jackson a huge hug and kiss and said something like "that old thing. Don't you worry Jackson." I hope "that old thing" doesn't translate into "that antique thing." We had a lot of fun in WI - opening even more presents, running around the house, and seeing Luke and Maria get married. Okay, here goes the photo recap.

 Jackson loves making snow angels, so much that he has made "sand" angels before.

 Nice form Pappy.

 Aunt Zan joins in on the snow angel fun.

 I'm a sucker for the mid-run shot.

 And finally Conner joins in. "See this is how you do it Conner."

 

Th boys on the swing. It looks a bit off from our old photos of the 4 kids (i.e. Mom, Aunt Zan, Aunt Miranda, and Uncle Rube) but still really cute.

 Nana and Jackson on Christmas Eve getting ready to hang some stockings.

 Will on his FIRST Christmas morning! So cute and happy.

 "Look at how big I am? No really, I'm big."

 Daddy and Will!

 Christmas morning. 

 Helping Will open a present.

 Cars, trucks, sleds - so much fun!

 William and Sophia opening up a special present from Blighty ...

 ... its an English guard rubber ducky.

 

Classic "watching the angel candles" photo. 

 We know Jackson looks bored in this photo, but it really never gets old. The boys were fascinated. Will is mesmerized and Jackson loved watching the pattern on the ceiling. 

 Waiting patiently to blow out the candles.

 On this particular day the weather was gorgeous. It felt like Easter not Christmas.

 Nana and Will snuggle.

 Nature walk with the family.

 Nana, Conner and Pappy by the river.

 It was windy and cold on this day. Mom and Dad had to swap jackets all in love for Will's warmth.

 "Mom, let's see what's in this hole."

 Bouressa Christmas party in WI. Jackson was the honorary present opener this year. He had a blast until the very end when the novelty finally wore off. 

 Aw, Jackson giving great Grandma Joyce some love.

 Somehow the sombrero found its way up stair and onto Will's head ...

 

 ... Oh yeah, it was Jackson who found it.

 Will gets a cool tractor for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa. Unsure?

 Sure! He loves it.

 Hm, deep in thought and still stunning eyes. 

Oh Grandma, you're so silly!

Another great Christmas but this one will be even more special because it was Will's first! Thank you to all of our families for making it such a memorable one.