On the FOURTH day of Christmas...

...we realized that our kids had slept in 4 different places and had at least 4 more to go.   I don't know why I never thought through that and how exhausting it would be.  Just the packing/unpacking alone was enough to make me want to stay put.   So we had to cancel a sleepover with the Petersons, but that didn't stop us from having a good time the following day.   We already had plans to reconnect with some of our college friends, and it was just a bonus that is was a MU bowl game day (although none of us really watched it because MU was that awesome...)  It's always a good time seeing everyone, and it makes it even more special to see all of our kids together.          

Warren/Peterson Crew playing BINGO

Katelyn rocking out

The boys doing what they do best

The girls doing what they do best  (two floors AWAY from the boys)

The adults doing what they do best : )

Todd and Jim

After the girls put on a dance recital (in which no photography or "kids" were allowed) the boys put on a rock concert

Eli and Micah

The next morning, Anna and I went to one of my "oldest" friends Catana's house.   To read about it from my mom's perspective click HERE.   Since my Mom's retirement she has really dug into one of her passions...genealogy.   She discovered that Catana and I are 5th cousins...so, of course, my Mom came along so she could see her 4th cousins.    Not only was I able to hang out (once again) with my 2 dearest friends, but we also let our daughters play together (yes 3 best friends each had a daughter the same year and we each named them some version of "ann"...that's not all that's annoying about us, but I'll leave it at that for now.)   I love these girls dearly and am thankful that our friendship has stood the test of time.  

The girls eating breakfast at the "kid" table

Gianna, Anna, & Annie

Catana, Me, & Julie

We had another Christmas celebration while in St. Louis with Todd's Dad's family.   We were able to reconnect with our great grandparents, aunts and cousins.   Thank you guys for spoiling us so much!!   That night Eli was able to have a sleepover with his Grandaddy and go "bumming" with him the next day.  

The kids each got their own chicken

Our landing ground for this portion of our trip was my parents.   Apart from buying iPhones together (!!!) most of our time was spent getting R&R while we were there.   I did happen to get some photos of our time with them.   

Amidst the unusually mild temps we were able to see snow!

One of Anna's (and Grandpa's) favorite spots

Playing with our new gifts. 

Are you still with me?!?   There are still TWO more major stops before I am done documenting Christmas!!