Christmas in MO

This year was our turn to head back to Missouri for Christmas with the Cook family. But first, here are the decorations at our house (put up on Thanksgiving weekend):

We were able to set up a video chat with my parents and Grandma to exchange gifts before we left town, so that was fun, too. All those presents!

We drove down to Springfield on the 21st and stayed through the 28th. Happily, all of Mark's siblings have arranged their holiday schedules so that they're also in Springfield the years we are, so we got to see everyone--12 of us all together, plus 2 dogs (oh, and a family friend who was there for just one night at the beginning of our stay). The best part of these visits for me is spending time together, whatever we're doing, but here are some of the highlights.*

On Sunday, we all went to Silver Dollar City, a theme park about an hour south of Mom & Dad's place. There are rides and special Christmas entertainment, but what they're known for (and what impressed me most) are the lights: 6.5 million of them! It was neat to see the park at this time of year, but it sure was busy. Mark and I only rode one ride (a roller coaster we went to as soon as we got there), but we did see both shows (A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life).

waiting to see A Christmas Carol

waiting in line for the Powder Keg roller coaster

On Christmas Eve, we decorated sugar cookies as a family, and Dad grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs for dinner. After, we sang Christmas carols and got Grandpa on the video chat to read us the Christmas story from Luke 2. Then we opened gifts from the siblings.

On Christmas morning, we had the usual frenzy of gift opening followed by stockings and breakfast. Later, Aunt Sue and Gran joined us for Christmas lunch.

On Thursday, only half of us were still in town, and Mom took me and Jill to the Wonders of Wildlife display and aquarium at the Bass Pro Shop. After, we met the guys for lunch at Lambert's Cafe. It's a local restaurant famous for southern cooking and throwing fresh hot rolls to the customers (instead of bringing a bread basket to the table).

We got to pet these rays! It was so cool!

My fried chicken was delicious!

Throughout the week, we played games, sat and talked, went to the movies, and enjoyed relaxing together.

Mom with Glowworm (and the glowworm ornament she gave him).

Making some kettle corn.

Jeremy, Cody, and Mark.

Cody and Molly.

The impressive cookie selection!

Playing the Nintendo Switch in the basement.

Cody watching TV with Mom.

We gave Damon and Jill a ride to the airport on our way out of town, and made it home to BG around 8:30--tired, but having made good time on an uneventful drive. On the downside, we both came down with a cold, but we're able to lay low for a couple days and recover. I'll probably go in to the office for a couple half days this week, but otherwise, I can ease back into things, (classes don't start for us till the 28th). Things will get a bit busier as we prepare to leave town again in a couple weeks for our Disney trip (I can hardly believe that's really happening!!!).

It's been a lovely Christmas season, and, as always, I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of both families. I'm also so thankful to be part of two families full of such wonderful people that I truly enjoy being around.

*Special thanks to Damon for sharing photos (including Heidi's)!