Holidays in Milwaukee

Onward to Milwaukee! We traveled back from Michigan to Milwaukee to spend the week of New Year's with Drew's family. Susie came for the week and the boys got to spend a lot of time with some of their favorite people in the world.

As one might expect, the boys were brimming with excitement to see Drew's side of the family and we had to spend a little bit of time explaining that Aunt Susie isn't able to play as roughly as Uncle Chris and the rest of us because of baby Aiden in her belly.

Then, of course, 100 questions about baby Aiden ensued.
How will he know?
How big is he?
When is he coming?
Will he share toys?
Can I hold him?

And the list went on. Its fun to see them anticipate their newest cousin. I'm sure they will adore him just as they adore their other baby cousin (Agnes-Grace).

Milwaukee was sort of a week of mild respite. I did a little (TINY) bit of work and prepped things for on-coming parties and the boys played with anyone that wasn't me. I was fairly useless to them while we were there. When I asked why they didn't want to play with me they said "we'll play with you at home, mama."

Okay, kiddos. I see how it is.

They do so love it at Grandma and Grandpa's though, because of all the fun toys and the pool. Grandma (Drew's mom) really has an uncanny ability to remember and save everything. She's really working on cleaning out, but it always amazes me the things that come out of the attic. Sometimes they are the most wonderful finds. This year she pulled out the entire Fisher Price people set including a merry go round that sings, the house, a school, and many many many other accessories, straight out of 1977. No joke.  It made me wish I had saved some of my toys from when I was young.

They also got to read about two dozen books that stay at grandma's and swim in the pool almost everyday. It was bitter cold while we were there so the pool was a great way to burn off the "we're stuck inside" energy. I'm so thankful for the pool!

And true to holiday form, there was yet another gift exchange. The boys got more and more legos. Which was pretty exciting for them and Drew as well as about a dozen toothbrushes each (did I mention their love of brushing teeth) and even more Thomas accessories. So much fun and excitement.

As the boys warmed up to Susie again they became much more aware of Aiden and were sure to provide him his own dose of hugs and kisses so he didn't feel left out. And, as par for the course, they got to hangout with Uncle Chris, who in their book is the bees knees, mostly because he's pretty good at playing and rough-housing.

While in Milwaukee we also made a trip over to see great-grandma hollman, who was so elated to see the boys. It was so sweet to see her joy in their arrival. Collin even did an impromptu performance of his Christmas program songs for the folks in her assisted living facility, and for a few minutes was the resident 4 year old celebrity.

All in all, it was a great trip. Bringing in the new year with family is always fun and getting to spend some much needed and long awaited time with Susie and soon-to-arrive Aiden reminded us that we need to be intentional about spending more time together; ideally somewhere where its beautiful, warm and lakeside, rather than -30 bitter cold and frozen.