Christmas Marathon

What a whirlwind! We made it through Christmas 2008-also known as Lillian's first Christmas. We got to see every relative and traveled several hundred miles in the process. We had our first Christmas gathering the Sunday before Christmas at Pat's aunt and uncle's house (Mike & Deb). It was a great time as always. It was especially fun because this year Jim & Danielle (Pat's cousin) were able to make it and brought their son Josh who is a year older than Lillian. Those two exchanged gifts and "played" together. I think Josh would have appreciated it if Lillian was big enough to play hockey with him, but maybe in a few months when she is less likely to put the hockey stick in her mouth.

On Christmas Eve we headed up to the Wellstead where Grandpa Thuente lives to visit and exchange gifts. She really enjoyed spending the time sitting on his bed with her new light up book he gave her. We had her in her Christmas dress for Grandpa to see her in when all of a sudden I noticed that her cheeks were bright red and she felt really hot. I borrowed a thermometer from one of the nurses and sure enough she had a fever of 103. Yikes! We got some Tylenol which helped, but she kept that fever for the days following too. Not exactly what we had hoped for on her first Christmas, but obviously things could have been much worse.

After visiting Grandpa, we went to mass and had dinner with the rest of Daddy's side of the family (Grandma Thuente, Uncle Greg, Aunt Laura, and Aunt Lisa & Uncle Scott). They all spoiled her, of course ;) It was a really fun time. I know they all love to spend time with her and she does too. She got lots of clothes which we desperately needed and some fun toys too.

On Christmas morning, we got up bright and early and opened up presents from Santa. Then we made the 5 hour drive to Gigi and Opa's for our traditional Starke family Christmas. She wasn't feeling 100 % but still did pretty well considering. I know she enjoyed opening her gifts and watching the big kids open their gifts and listen to them read the Christmas story. It was a little bit of a tear-jerker because I remember back when my cousins and I sat in a circle passing the book around. Now it was the next generation of kids (3 of which could read!) sitting in that same circle next to Grandma and Grandpa Starke.

My grandparents just had their entire main level of the house redone and with it went all of their favorite framed pictures of the family. So, as a wonderful Christmas gift, my two uncles and my mom bought them a digital frame. All of the families then brought pictures which could be loaded onto it. Now they can keep all the pictures and get a few more too. It was a very special gift.

After we left Gigi and Opa's, we went over to my mom's house and did another Christmas celebration there. Again, Lillian got spoiled! We now have enough toys to fill up the toy box we got from Grandma Tinks a few weeks back. Lucky kid.

The day after Christmas we headed over to my dad's house and visited with his side of the family. We got there a little early so we could spend some extra time with Papa (my dad) and my Grandma and Grandpa Kuecherer. It was so nice to get to spend some extra time with them. We're hoping my dad can make it for a visit here soon. Lillian enjoyed playing with Reese (my aunt Kelly's youngest child). However, Reese is about to get a baby sister so I am pretty sure Lillian will enjoy playing with her next Christmas.

We spent the rest of the weekend visiting with friends and playing with Grandma Tinks. I am pretty sure Lillian had a great time. It was so good to see everyone. Thanks for helping us make Lillian's first Christmas one to remember! Happy New Year!