On Christmas We Celebrated with Brooke's Family

We woke up before the sun got up to get to Wisconsin. I forgot again about the time change so really we could have slept in another hour.

On this whole trip we listened to the popular podcast "Serial". It really helped the long drives more bearable. I can't wait for Season 2. 

We decided to avoid tolls on the way to Appleton. I'd rather see downtown Chicago than some banal suburbs.

We were getting hungry right around the Wisconsin border. I saw a sign for O&H Bakery. That can mean only one thing: kringle. The gas station on one side of the road was closed.

We went across the road to the Petro Travel Stop. That one was not only open, but had a mini O&H inside. We got Wisconsin Kringle with cranberries, cherries and cream cheese.

It made up for the Christmas morning cinnamon rolls my brother always makes.

When we arrived at my parents I changed Meadow into her new dress. I started knitting this dress back in September and finished it a week before. I made it a few inches longer so she can wear it for a while.

Meadow opened her gift from her Great Grandma from the Romenesko Christmas. Candy and money.

My mom surprised me with a new ornament.

We sipped on Old Fashions while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Thanks Blake.

Everyone finally arrived, well not Jeff, Brittany and Marina, so we started opening presents. I got some new tools and a gift card to put towards a ladder  from the in-laws and the awesome kayak paddle I'd wanted from Dan and Brooke.

If you've read about Romenesko Christmases in the past you know there are going to be a lot of presents to open.

Meadow got some new bath toys and towel from Chelsea and Dan. A fruit puzzle from my mom.

Mike got an axe from somebody and decided to be a wise guy about it. There's my sweet new paddle!

We all got some really great presents.

I can't wait to go apple picking next year to try out my new apple peeler. I also got a new kayak paddle and bike shorts. No more sore butt for me. 

Scott was taking a photo of Brittany opening her gift from him. Actually this was great timing because you see Jeff reading Nolan's shirt.

Looks like Meadows going to have a fifth cousin.

Marina was practicing on her potty box. Well not literally.

Gail got an automated cat litter box. I think this was more for Mr. Mike.

I like that it was from Jaspurr.

Meadow got a cool new camera from Brittany and Jeff.

Meadow also got a new wooden sled from my mom. Too bad there isn't any snow to try it out.

I told you that the presents don't stop coming. I was getting hungry at this point.

Once my aunt and Grandma arrived we had to open more. Meadow got a new rolling pin. We got a donkey, lamb and angel to add to our Nativity scene.

Aunt Jill loves her great-nieces and nephews. I love food.

Blake was working on his 4th drink of the night. "Who's counting?" he says. I am Blake, I am.

I was getting a little tipsy at this point. I slowed down, but I don't think Blake ever slowed down.

This was a good Christmas despite all the driving.