A Christmas Story/It's a Wonderful Life

We just returned from Minnesota for our first Christmas together, and the first white Christmas in a long time. We had enough snow to take Cassie and our nephew, Luke, sledding. We had a great time outside. We also got to watch our other nephews, Grant and Ethan, do some skating and practice hockey. We spent lots of quality time with Elise throughout the week before Christmas. It was fun to get to know her as a friend. I feel like we have forged a nice friendship. I feel like a grandma to Cassie, which is fun. She actually listens to me and minds what I tell her, that is interesting. We spent time with Roger, Roger's dad, which was good. He is doing well. Roger drove his dad, my dad and me to a movie the Sunday before Christmas in a snowstorm. I had forgotten how awful those can be to drive in. We made it fine to and from the theater. We saw No Country for Old Men, which may be the new Coen brothers movie, but was different from any of their others. It was disturbing and bloody. But, extremely thought provoking and well made! Roger and I also saw National Treasure, which was fun. We got to see Grant play a little hockey. When my parents came, I did a little shopping with them. Then on Christmas Eve, Mom took Nikki, Elise and I shopping...that was a great time. And then it was Christmas Eve!!!!

I had been warned of the craziness of Skophammer Christmas Eve, but whew! It was a riot. We spent several hours watching the 30 of us open presents...Santa was generous. We ate and visited. We played charades. My favorite moment was during the older kids turn to open presents, Ethan cuddled on my lap. I love that little man. He is so sweet and loving. I was officially welcomed into the family by Gwen, who excitedly said I was a perfect match for the Skophammers because of my easily formed relationships with all my nieces and nephews and my granddaughter. It was a special moment to know how quickly this family came to love me. I love all of them as well. I had a great time sharing Christmas with the Skophammers. My parents seemed to enjoy the evening as well. My mom had a great conversation with Cassie as she ate her dinner. Since my parents may never have grandkids, it is nice that a relationship is being formed with Roger's. We left the Skopies about midnight and fell asleep easily. Although, I believe I heard Santa leaving stockings for Gwen's family?

Christmas morning found Roger and I packing up the car. We said tearful goodbyes to Gwen, Jerry and the kids as we drove to Nikki's for brunch. She made a delicious frittata and some carmel rolls that even Roger could eat (yum). Nikki's boyfriend, John, came and after present opening and eating, he kicked our asses in Apples to Apples. We had a great time. We went to a hotel and Elise, Mike and Cassie joined us for one last Christmas. We had a few more presents to open and went swimming. We then ended up at TGI Friday's for Christmas dinner. More tearful goodbyes and we were on our way back to Virginia. We took two days and made it home.

In reflecting over the trip, I feel truly special to be surrounded by so much family who loves me unconditionally. The Skophammers are the most special family I could ever imagine marrying in to. My family is special and were truly good sports to indulge in the Skophammer family Christmas. I love my sister for taking the time to make a Roger friendly meal. To sound oh so sappy, I have a wonderful life. Meeting and marrying Roger has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I just love life!