Christmas in Indiana

This year we celebrated Christmas in Evansville with Gus's side of the family the weekend before Christmas. We went down from Wednesday through Sunday. Max was the best little traveler to and from. He pretty much slept the whole way both trips! We got in late Wednesday night and after sleeping in the car the whole way, Max was not ready to go to sleep right away. He stayed up until around 2:30.

That Thursday we hung out with Mimi & Pops. That night we ran around with Uncle Sammy and took Max around to see his great-grandpa Jerry, and then on to see some of Gus's uncles, aunts, and cousins. Friday, the rest of the uncles, aunts, and cousins got in. Friday night more of Gus's aunts and uncles and cousins, as well as some high school friends came over. We ordered a bunch of Turoni's Pizza, and the aunts and uncles did their gift exchange. This year the the gift giver had to recite a riddle about the receiver and everyone had to guess who the receiver was.

On Saturday we hung out at home all day. Max's Great-Grandma Jan came over. Max fell asleep in her arms for a two hour nap. They both seemed very content with this arrangement. That night we had a delicious dinner of Pork loins and Eggplant Parmesan. We did our family gift giving that night. After the gifts we watched home movies from when all the aunts and uncles were kids. Eli and Maddie got to see their mom and aunts and uncles when they were their age. There were some pretty funny moments as well as some embarrassing ones for everyone. It was a reminder of how important it is to document these moments. It's fun to imagine Max sitting around with his kids watching videos of him as a kid.

Sunday we had a big delicious breakfast, busted open the Christmas pinata, said our goodbyes, and hit the road. Max was great on the trip back. We had a great Indiana Christmas and now look forward to Christmas next weekend in Wisconsin.

Ready for the 7 hour car ride!

Pit Stop at the Bloomington, IL Stake N Shake

Late night arrival on Wednesday. Wide awake.

Hanging out with Marley Pups.

Hanging out with Marley pup.

Max & Great Uncle Ubbie

Getting lots of love from Great Aunts Wendy & Julie 

Mimi & Pops watched Max, so Mom and Dad could have a lunch date. 

Uncle Baby Sammy

Aunt Hattie Bear got Max a cool wall hanger shaped as an oar.

Max yucking it up with Great Aunt Amy

Cousins hanging out on the top bunk.

Great Grandma Jan loving the long nap with Max.

Hanging out around the kitchen island watching the Boilers and Hoosier ballgames.

Having fun with Aunt Sasse.

Max loves the Rhino Rider he got from his cousins.

Aunt Sasse's first Christmas as an aunt. She's been the most wonderful mother to Eli and Maddie, it's fun seeing her and Uncle Darren in their new roles.

Max got the Harry Potter glasses out from the Christmas Pinata.