Christmas 2009

To begin our Christmas festivities, Matt had to go outside and snowblow because we received about a foot of snow! It was quite a mess. Once Matt had it all cleared up, the pile at the end of the driveway is as tall as he is! It was definitely a white Christmas! Later that day, we had Matt's parents over to our house for dinner. It was actually our year to be in Pulaski for Christmas, but since my dad was here last weekend, we stayed in Owatonna. Dave and Vickie brought Kelsey her 1st Christmas present, and it was a big one! She got a kitchen set!
She has really been into pretending to mix things in bowls and then pretend to eat it. So this gift was perfect for her. Daddy and Grandpa were gracious enough to put it together for her, which only took 2 hours! hehe
After opening her gift, we had a really nice dinner together and relaxed the rest of the evening. We later attended Christmas Eve mass at 10:00pm. Kelsey had been sleeping for 2 hours before we left for church. She stayed sleeping in the car, but once she heard the music, she woke right up. We ended the night by watching the pope on tv because it was a tradition that my mom did every year. She would call my grandpa on the phone and they would talk in Polish about the pope.

On Christmas morning, Daddy had to snowblow again because we got more snow. When he came in, Kelsey opened her presents from Santa. She got a shopping cart, vacuum, blocks, a doll, bath toys, movies, and a magna doodle. Kelsey did a great job ripping the wrapping paper off. After each present was open she would say, "Oh boy" or "wow". She has already been having a blast playing with them. Daddy opened his present from Kelsey which was a Brett Favre jersey, and I got new Christmas decorations for the house from her.
Next, we were off to the extended Skala family Christmas at the Izaak Walton building. Because Matt's family is so large, it is impossible for someone to host everybody at their house. I think there are about 100 people in all, and around 75 made it. It is a fun day filled with food, bunco, exchanging cards, and catching up.




Yesterday, my friend Becky stopped with her husband and two boys on their way through Owatonna. Becky and I have been friends since we were little, and I am so glad they were able to stop and see us.



Today, we are going to the Ebeling Christmas which is also hosted at the Izaak Walton building. Matt's mom's side is not as large as the Skala side, but it is still a nice place to hold the event because there about 50 people on that side. We again have a meal, exchange cards, play dirty bingo, and socialize.

We are not done with Christmases yet though! Next weekend we are getting together with Matt's immediate family, followed by going to Pulaski the next weekend to see my mom's side of the family. I think that will make 6 Christmases this year. I wouldn't have it any other way though. I feel fortunate that we were able to make so many gatherings this year.