Over the River and Through the Woods.....

We just returned from an Eastern Illinois Whirlwind tour....visiting Todd's grandma in Charleston, Todd's Grandpa in Palestine, and his dad in Danville....all in about 36 hours! Here's a recap:

Tanks of gasoline burned: 2
Visits to McDonalds: 2
Narnia Happy Meal Toys acquired: 4
Dt. sodas with extra ice consumed: 11
Minutes it took to shop "downtown Palestine":22
Actual hours of sleep in lumpy, old bed: 4.5
Scarves knitted while traveling: 1.5
Mints from Grandad: 8
Hugs from Grandma Magruder: 4
Bowls of ice cream at Ryan's(with toppings): 3
Children throwing up ice cream at 1am: 1
Opened presents returning to our home: 12

It was good to spend some time with family. Now our house is a disaster again (of course the midnight puking didn't help my laundry situation any)and there's a long list of things to do before we leave for Bloomington. But you won't hear me complain, really....I love being with family....eating, playing cards, watching tv, doing crosswords, talking walks....that's what holidays are all about!!

I did have one memorable parent-moment as Grandad was giving us a tour of the Palestine Christmas lights....As we passed 3 houses with particularly ridiculous displays Sophia piped up, "That's not a very good Christmas decoration." "Why?" I asked her, squinting from the bright lights....."Because Christmas isn't about Santa and lights and Christmas trees....it's about Baby Jesus' Birthday!"

Whew, they're getting it.