Later That Day ...

Lindsay with the Bear

Nikki making the famous beef stew.

Caeden taking each and every packing peanut (from the box that Crystal sent) downstairs to create the biggest mess ever. Oh well, I hardly ever go down there. :)

Grandma lovin' on Claire.

Dave and Donna arrived on the 23rd and immediately the house was full of life. So many conversations going, so much laughter, everyone coming and going ... it was wonderful! We all caught up on the latest happenings, drank wine, ate too much, and just enjoyed each other. It was a perfect start to the rest of the week.

Christmas Recap {Take 1}

Nikki & John drinking Winter Sangria.
{So fabulous. See end of post for recipe}

Uncle John & Caeden



We started off Christmas Week waiting for Wayne's sister, Nikki and her fiance, John, to arrive from Los Angeles. Caeden was so excited that he didn't know what to do with himself. As soon as Uncle John arrived, Caeden claimed him as his new BFF. Aunt Nik is always a favorite, but there is just something about two guys talking "Monster Truck" that a girl just can't compete with.

Anyway, on morning 2 of their arrival, an accident occured.
Caeden was sitting on the kitchen table talking to me when he announces he is going to sit on a chair. "Good idea, Buddy," I say.
The next second he is on the floor, face down, and not moving.

I rushed to pick him up and turn him over and found blood gushing from his chin. When he opened his mouth to cry and to ask for Tiny (his blanket), his mouth was full of blood. I just about died.

Wayne and I are running around the house like crazy people, trying to get Caeden ready so we can get him to the hospital. We decide Wayne will go since I will probably cry more than Caeden. So, Wayne calls me from the hospital room to tell me that Caeden's lower tooth/teeth had gone all the way through his chin and he was going to need stitches. I kinda figured that part from the gushing blood, but it was still horrible to hear how badly he was hurt. Poor little buddy. :(

Come to find out, medicine has become quite refined. The numbing agent isn't a shot anymore, it's a gel pad that Caeden held onto his chin for 30 minutes. He didn't feel the stitches (3 inside and 3 outside) at all. How cool is that?

The Doc gave him a present to open when he got home for being so brave. It was a bear (that I haven't seen since ...)

Bear from the hospital.

Just got home - still wearing his hospital gown.

My little man a few days later. I think he looks adorably tough in this picture. I need to get him his own black stocking hat - it suits him, I think.

Grandpa and Grandma Koop flew in from Rapid that morning and we kicked off Christmas week with everyone together, plus the battle scar.

{Winter Sangria}

Slice 2 apples and 2 pears into small pieces. Soak in a bowl with 1 cup Apple Brandy for at least 30 minutes but up to 12 hours.

When ready to serve:

Mix apple/pear mixture with 1 bottle white wine.

Pour into glasses and top off with sparkling apple cider.