This year we traveled downstate to my parents' house for Christmas! We changed things up and actually went through Chicago this time (instead of across the Mackinac Bridge) because we wanted to stop and see Mike and Elisa's new house! After being fearful that we would get stuck in traffic, the drive turned out wonderfully! Better than I could have imagined :) We only stopped three times, hit zero traffic, let the boys run at the O'Hare Oasis (and get Mama her Starbucks fix!) and made it to Mike's before he even got home from work. It was great and set the tone for an awesome vacation. We spent several hours at Mike and Elisa's and were spoiled with a homemade Italian feast (including Baklava - which I now expect Elisa to make for ALL family gatherings!). Their house is awesome and we look forward to many visits there! Then we drove the final hour to my parents for a visit that was LONG overdue! Friday night the Horosko's came over and it was so fun to watch all of the cousins play. Saturday, the boys and I had a great visit with the Knolls/Luttentons/Millers (see post below), had a yummy Christmas Eve dinner and then we all went to the Children's Mass. Turns out a 1 yr old is NOT old enough to sit nicely on the Altar while Father gives the Homily. I was so embarrassed watching my boys (stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down) but others around us got a nice laugh! Christmas morning we opened gifts (Santa came!!), ate breakfast and then the Konopnicki family started arriving! We got to see little Jackson (Drew's bday buddy) for the first time since September! He is getting SO big! It was great seeing family that I don't get to see very often - Jessie and Remmert flew in from Belgium and of course, my Girl, who I miss desperately. Later that night we had a nice visit with Kasey, David and Uncle Al. Then on Monday I met my cousins for lunch. It was a busy but super fun four days filled with love and family :) Throw in visits and phone calls with dear friends and loved ones and my heart was overflowing! It was so hard to leave and I can't wait to see everyone again! Thanks Mom for spoiling us :) We'll be back in March for Elisa's shower and I am already looking forward to it!
Drew and Ava - all smiles!
Family Picture Time (we only took 2 - a new record!)
My Monkeys dressed in their Christmas best (thanks Auntie Kellie)!
Aunties always think of the fun and messy projects!
Christmas Morning - Every 3 yr old needs Hot Wheels
The 2nd Generation Horosko Cousins
Auntie Kellie, Jackson and Papa/Uncle RC :)
Cousin Love
We've come a long way from putting on plays in the Scopels' basement
Keeping the traditions alive (while Angel Rosie watches over)
The two littlest ones of the group - can't wait for next year (and Disney 2014)!!
Puh-lease Mom... Matching shirts again???
Luke opening his favorite gift! Lacey did a wonderful job!
Thanks Uncle Michael for making the "touchdown" sign while I was trying to take their picture!
I love my Yooper boys!
The boys and Grandma!
Uncle Michael and Drew with his new fishing pole! Thank you!
Camo boots too! Perfect for splashing in puddles!
And the perfect gift! A basketball hoop! (just like Zoe's)
Drew and Ava - all smiles!
Family Picture Time (we only took 2 - a new record!)
My Monkeys dressed in their Christmas best (thanks Auntie Kellie)!
Aunties always think of the fun and messy projects!
Christmas Morning - Every 3 yr old needs Hot Wheels
The 2nd Generation Horosko Cousins
Auntie Kellie, Jackson and Papa/Uncle RC :)
Cousin Love
We've come a long way from putting on plays in the Scopels' basement
Keeping the traditions alive (while Angel Rosie watches over)
The two littlest ones of the group - can't wait for next year (and Disney 2014)!! 
It's cookie time!
Great idea Melissa!
How cute are these two? I love this picture!
Hard at work on their cookies
must.get.more.sprinkles
"Busted!"
The finished product :)