Christmas week

We spent most of the week traveling and visiting with family...the way the holidays should be spent. We went to Lisa's parents on Christmas Eve. That morning my mom called to let us know my grandma had a mild stroke early that morning and that she was in the hospital. My mom headed to the hospital and we waited for an update. The doctors said she had a TIA (mini-stroke) and that no long-term damage was done. My mom said she was doing good, talking , and joking. My parents spent Christmas day at the hopital with her and she was released the next day. We did head down to my parents later on Christmas Eve. We ate some yummy home-made spaghetti and meatballs and opened gifts. We were excited to get a food dehydrator to make beef jerky, fruit leather, and other fun treats. We also got a programmable crock-pot and green Le Creuset pot. As you can see there was a food/cooking theme. We were also happy to get some gift certificates which we haven't decided on how to use yet. After filling our tummies and opening gifts we headed home to wait for Santa.

On Christmas morning we woke-up to find Santa had visited and filled our stockings. We got lots of yummy candy and some other gifts. This year we bought a new digital camera so that was our gift to each other. We did enjoy opening a gift from Rich's sister Anne and her family. Luca also had a stocking filled with goodies and toys. He destroyed several of the soft toys my parents gave him within minutes. Santa knowing Luca's desire to chew and destroy toys gave him things he could not destroy within minutes. He also got a small blue football and red snake. Luca will play with these toys sometimes, but prefers his old Kong toy to everything else.

We spent Christmas day with Rich's family. We had the traditional Christmas feast and of course I (Lisa) brought spaghetti with meatballs. The food was great and again we filled our tummies to the brink of explosion. It was great to see everyone and spend some time with our nieces and nephews. Nathan our 7 yr old nephew loved Luca and I am pretty sure Luca loved him.

The day after Christmas was sad for Rich because he had to go back to work. Luca and I were lucky to be able to relax at home. We were both pretty tired from all the traveling. Luca actually sleep the entire day away and I was nervous something was wrong because he didn't really want to play, but the next day he was back to normal.

Yesterday, we traveled back to my parents because my grandma is staying there for a little while. We had the Christmas dinner my family didn't have Christmas day because they were at the hospital. It was nice because we got to visit with my Aunt & Uncle and my cousin and his family. It was a nice day and great to see my grandma. She is an awesome lady with so much strength and talent. I admire and love her very much.

Today after church we are taking the time to rest. I have been getting a cold Rich is just getting over, so we plan to veg out on the couch and hang with Luca. Next week will also be a little crazy with the holiday but we are planning to stay home this time and do our own thing.