Christmas 2012

We drove up to Minnesota for Christmas this year.  The car ride was actually not that bad.  I rode in the back to change diapers when necessary and we only needed to stop once.  Barret is no longer allowed to change diapers in the car.  The first and last time he attempted to do so, Owen ended up with poop on his face, foot, and shirt.  Not to mention the poop that also ended up on the car seat and Barret's shirt.  Thankfully, I did not have any blunders and the drive up was pretty nice.  Murphy kept a very watchful eye on Owen for the trek.

Before heading up to Minnesota, we were able to see some friends who were back in Madison for the holidays.  Owen found a kindred spirit in Tatum.

On Christmas Eve, our friends Roger and Amanda hosted a brunch.  Murphy was super into Roger and photobombing pictures this holiday season.

 This squirrel outside of Amanda's place also had a good Christmas Eve - he took down an entire donut and provided some free entertainment for us.

My family is not too crazy about Christmas traditions - we just try to get together.  Growing up, we always went to my grandparents and celebrated on Christmas Eve.  We tried to do that again this year, but ran into a few obstacles.  First, my aunt (who lives with my grandparents) informed us that she may have the chicken pox the night before Christmas Eve.  Needless to say, we did not want to take our 2 month baby there anymore.  Thankfully, we had two little cabins booked at the casino near where my grandparents live.  We weren't really sure what we were going to do to celebrate Christmas, but decided to just head up to the casino and see what happens.  My grandparents weren't able to make it to our cabins on Christmas Eve because they were not feeling well.  We decided to have dinner on our own while Barret played Christmas music on his phone.  Then my mom and Holly decided to go to the casino until about 2 in the morning.  Barret and I went to sleep.  Waking up Christmas morning, it was 10 below.  I had forgotten how much colder Minnesota is than Wisconsin and had actually forgotten how cold temps below zero was.  I hope to not be reminded again in the near future.  Fortunately, my grandparents were feeling better Christmas morning and able to make it to our cabin and meet Owen.  I do not get to see my grandparents too often any more, so it was great to be able to spend Christmas morning with them.  However, I kind of hope this is not the making of a new Christmas tradition....

Murphy continued on his photobomb escapade.

Owen is either going to grow up really loving dogs or really hating dogs. 

Being the first grandchild on both sides, he got plenty of presents this year.  We are excited to celebrate Christmas with him next year when he will be able to understand a bit more what is going on and perhaps open his own, many presents.