In early December, there were lots of protests in downtown Lansing for some bills that were being pushed through during the legislative lame duck session. I work across the street/just behind the Capitol and got to see it all. The police presence downtown for a couple of weeks there was quite impressive. On December 11th, the biggest protest took place with thousands of people. I brought my camera to work that day and walked over on a break to check things out. The protests were mostly peaceful, though the whole ambience was reminiscent of being in East Lansing during the riots during my MSU days.
Bristol, Kevin, and I played the part of the Holy Family in our church's annual Journey to Bethlehem, which is a live walk-through nativity. We went through it as a family on Friday night (the 14th) and then we played our part on Saturday night.
We were planning for Carson's preschool Christmas program and class Christmas party on December 20th and 21st, but they ended up being postponed until January when all of the schools in Genesee County were closed two days early before Christmas break.
On Saturday, the 22nd, we went over to Kevin's sister's house for a surprise party for our brother-in-law who was turning 40. Uncle Justin, Aunt Mary, Rebecca, and Abram made the trip for it, too, and we were fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with them at our house before the party. It was great to have some time with them to catch up a little and let the kids play. Then we all headed over to Aunt Julie's for Uncle Jason's surprise party. He had no idea and was totally surprised!
We started up our Christmas activities on Sunday, the 23rd at Nana and Papa's house with Nana, Papa, Aunt Lindsay and Dave, Great Grandma Jackie, and the four of us. We all went to lunch at Panera after church and then headed over to Nana and Papa's house to open gifts and visit. We all got some very nice gifts. Carson's big gift from Nana and Papa was an iPod Touch, which he was so excited about, as well as some Legos, toys and clothes. Bristol got lots of fun toys and cute outfits. Kevin and I got a new kitchen floor (its currently on order) and some money.
On Christmas Eve, we went over to Aunt Sharon's house for Christmas with the Burge family. We enjoyed a great meal, laughter, visiting, and exchanged some more great gifts. The adults always do a $20 man/woman gift exchange and the kids all receive gifts from the aunts/uncles. I think all of the kids were happy with their generous gifts. :)
On Christmas, we celebrated at home as a family in the morning. Santa brought Carson some Legos and Bristol a vanity mirror toy. They also received some gifts from Kevin and I. We did not buy them much this year, though, since we all went to Disney. That was our gift for ourselves this year.
We headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's house in the afternoon for Christmas with the Hollebooms. As usual, everyone was very generous and the tree was overflowing with gifts. The kids all loved all of their gifts. Carson's big gift was a Walt Disney World Monorail set and Contemporary Resort! He was SO excited and just screamed when he unwrapped it! After gifts, we had a nice meal and spent lots of time visiting and just having a good time. It was a great day.
On Saturday, the 29th, we made the trip west to Hudsonville to celebrate Christmas with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Van. We had another nice meal, exchanged gifts, and spent lots of time visiting. It was great to see them looking so healthy and well!
Kevin had the time between Christmas and New Years off from work. I had to work a couple of days, but it wasn't too bad. We actually had a white Christmas this year and received more snow in the days after Christmas, so we spent some time playing out in the snow. Bristol went sledding for the first time and Carson got to try out his new skis.
So that was our December. We were very blessed to have spent time with those that we love as we celebrated the birth of our savior. We cherish our time spent together and the memories that we have made as we look forward to the new year. We hope that you all had a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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