Holidays with the Houghams!

Whew! I was so behind with everything Christmas-related that I was a mad woman rushing around, and now Christmas is over. :(  I'll recap our holiday festivities, all in one single post, for your reading pleasure.  Pardon me if I ramble! :)

Friday 12/21 was my last day at work before the holiday break.  Luckily, our office shuts down for 11 days, and I tacked a few extra on there at the end to get me through Chase's birthday on the 7th. I worked from home on the last day of work, so that I would be able to attend the boys' Christmas parties at school. (It was also pajama day, so Chase was sporting his Elmo pj's.)

The next day, we were invited to share the holidays with Logan's family. Some may think it's odd that I ventured to my brother-in-laws for the holidays, but this group is as sweet as can be. Unfortunately, Jordan had to work, so I took the boys and headed out for the drive without him. (It's this time of year that I hate dislike Jordan's job.  His 6-day workweeks and extended hours wear on us both.)  We spent the day with Logan's family and then headed up to Prairie Lights with Katrina & Logan. It's this awesome place where you literally drive through millions of Christmas lights. It's amazing and the kids loved it!

On Sunday, the boys and I relaxed at home while Jordan worked. Austin also helped me prepare some treats for Daddy's Christmas party at work. This kid loves anything that involved icing, chocolate, or sprinkles!

On Christmas Eve, Jordan's family came out to our house to celebrate and exchange gifts. We had a wide assortment of snacks, of which the puppy chow was a big hit. I constantly found Chase sneaking in some bites when he thought I wasn't looking!

After Jordan's family said their goodbyes, Jordan and I loaded the boys up in the truck to go drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights.  It seems like more and more people in our neighborhood hung lights this year.

Shortly after coming back home, we helped the boys set out cookies and green milk for Santa; then they were sent off to bed.

Then Katrina and Logan arrived. It's been tradition for them to stay at our house on Christmas Eve, so that they will be here Christmas morning to celebrate with us.  The four of us relaxed and helped assemble the last of Santa's gifts before heading to bed.

Surprisingly, we were all able to sleep in til 9:30 on Christmas day. My boys love to sleep, almost as much as I do! They were ecstatic to see all the gifts that Santa brought.  We munched on sausage balls and blueberry muffins for breakfast while we tore through the gifts.  For combined gifts, they got a double-sided art easel and a kitchen (not a girly one!). Austin seemed to get anything and everything Avengers, and Chase got everything Elmo.  Jordan did great picking out my gifts: a giftcard for a spa day, perfume, some clothes (complete with accessories, too!), and a few other items.

Rather than slaving away all day long in the kitchen making a big turkey dinner, we opted instead for a Mexican feast. We had a super relaxing day, and enjoyed watching the snow come down all day!

Now that Christmas is over, I'm trying to relax and enjoy the remainder of my time off.  Since the kids got a gazillion new toys, we cleaned out the playroom and donated a carload to the local charity.  The playroom looks so clean and organized; I wonder how long it will last!!!