Christmas in Pender

It's been four years since we have been in Pender for Christmas. On the 26th, it was a pretty low key day with games and relaxing and hosting the Munderloh and Maul families for drinks, appetizers and soups. The older kids had their annual trip to Perkins while Jaima and I chatted way too late. The Marshall's arrived on the 27th and we spent some time at the rec center and had the Karlen Christmas. 

On the 28th and 29th, we made our way to Wayne to watch Anastin play basketball. We also went out to Amy and Steve's for drinks on Thursday night and hit Wildcat Lanes after the basketball game on Friday. We headed to Rosie's for breakfast in Friday. 

There were lots of games played, Dr. Mario battles, football watching, hot tubbing, eating and drinking.   

The Geiserts were amazing hosts (as always) and Mom had the house looking very festive. 

Even rhough Marshall had to work a few days and I finished our insurance claim, it was a relaxing week and I was thankful to be "home for the holidays." 

White Christmas

 We pulled into Pender around 12:15 am in December 25th. As always, Jaima and Cam made us feel very welcome and we had a designated "Peavy" tree in the dining room. We did stockings, made the breakfast casserole, opened gifts, ate breakfast and opened more gifts. So, a typical Peavy Christmas. I was embarrassingly showered with gifts from the boys and Marshall. We had fun with some of the gifts we got the boys. I hope they felt the love and k ow how much joy they bring to our lives. 

We headed over to Mom and Dad's mid-afternoon. I made chowder and Drake joined me for chowder around 4:00. Tanner had shoveled and played some cards with Mom and Dad. The rest of the clan came over for turkey dinner and games. The four oldest kids enjoyed the hot tub before bed. 

The storm did deliver snow, but was not as terrible as predicted. But, I'm glad we did not have to drive the roads yesterday. Here's to our health, our abundant blessings, our family and the magic of the season - even if it looks a bit differently this year. 

Christmas Eve Chaos

The boys in their new "pjs" 

The holiday mantel 

Old pjs

Clear roads 

Loved hearing the giggles while they wrapped gifts 

Christmas Eve In front of the tree

Backseat passengers 

Hanging his ornaments on the tree

Opening a few gifts 

Enjoying the tree before all the chaos kicked in 

The gifts! 

French toast casserole 

 Sometimes you really want to be in two places at once. We woke up to a dusting of white snow AND news about a huge blizzard that would be hitting most of Nebraska. 

After looking at the timing of the storm, if we didn't leave today, we would not be making the trip. The family was super supportive of me and we decided to make the trip today. Drake and Marshall were able to get their last minute shopping done, I did some stress baking and Tanner was extremely supportive. I finished wrapping the gifts, Hadley and Drake exchanged gifts and we were able to open a few gifts in front of our tree - Christmas pjs included. 

This change certainly affected each of us in different ways, but in the end everyone was a trooper and Tanner said it best when he said what matters is that we are all together. It's not our typical Christmas Eve, but we have the Broncos on, Christmas music and time together. 

And we've secured a tree at Jaima's and Santa got word as to where we will be. 

Christmas Eve Eve

There definitely was some hustle and bustle on the 23rd of December this year. Shopping, wrapping, disc golf, learning Monopoly Go and time with friends made for a busy and full day. 

A few pictures from the party. 

Our wonderful hosts 

A Christmas Miracle

 All having dinner together tonight and a watching a family Chirstmas movie together. Let the holidays begin.

 

BJ's Birthday Bash

Tanner waited until Drake was home to have his birthday dinner. He chose BJ's Brewhouse in Boulder again this year. Thursday night has a great special and both boys enjoyed steak/ribs, 2 sides and a pizookie. 

We talked about the best animated films, take home pay after taxes and just enjoyed the time as a family (which has not happened since Drake got home given social events, finals, new job for Tanner, etc.) 

Tanner then headed out with friends and the rest of played a variety of games. 

Happy birthday to our December boy - what a delightful young man you are becoming.