What an interesting week we had in Akron. Our intent was to leave at 4:00 Tuesday to head up North. 4:00 because I was babysitting and Brian went ahead and worked that day. Should have known that every one of the babysitting parents would be late to pick their child up that day. Add that to the ice storm that hit us at 3:45 and the winter storm warning Akron had for that evening/night and it all chalks up to making a 4 hour drive into a 6 hours drive. We rolled in at 11 instead of 8:30 that night, but hey we made it. Brandon stayed up until midnight for the first time and then promptly asked if he could go to bed.

Christmas Eve brought the traditional visit with Grandma Stich and Aunt Melanie's family. The kids had so much fun - Aunt Mel's house is one big play land with life size dancing Santas, a cat, a dog and fun presents. Brandon loves his big magnetix set and the girls haven't stopped dressing up in their new princess clothes.

Papa Mike and NanaBo got the girls their first Barbies! The Mr. Potato Heads were also a huge hit. All three of them love to put the accessories on. We had a great time staying at Chateau Stich.

Papa gave Brandon his first real tools! Brandon slept that night with his tools under one arm and his trumpet from Santa (aka Uncle Mike) under the other.

Christmas dinner was yummy! Sadly that belly is all Harrison before dinner!

Papa Mike has a new toy!

The Mantel Grandkids. Lydia 2 1/2, Katie 3, Lainey 3 holding Jimmy's pic 5, Julia 6 holding Micah 3 months, Brandon 6 holding Andy 7 months, Caleb 8 holding Matthias 4, Abigail 7 holding Corinth 1 month. Baby Harrison will be the fourth boy born in 10 months when he arrives!

The kids all had a great time playing together in Mom and Don's new play closet. Don't laugh, it's a huge closet that they keep the toys in and they spread out over the whole basement. The mural Heather's sister painted in there is amazing! It was really fun to get together with everyone.

On Sunday we met Mike, Dee and Andy at Nativity for Mass which was a bit of deja vu as that is where Mike, Dee and I all attended while growing up. Not much has changed in the past 8 years, other then the congregation looks 8 years older. I suppose we do , too! Father Dave agreed to Baptize Baby Harrison in May when we are home for Andy's first birthday. We're excited to be able to have it up there where the whole family will be more able to attend. I am attempting to make him a Baptism outfit out of my mother's wedding dress. Hopefully all goes well. I have given myself almost 6 months to do so.

After Mass and breakfast we loaded up and went to see Lorrie and Butch, Katie's godparents. We had a fun visit there. Butch taught Lainey to lick the frosting off all of the Christmas cookies (thanks buddy!), Brandon loved the dogs and Katie danced to the music from their new books. We headed back to Cinci after Lorrie's yummy pizza and the girls were asleep in less then 20 minutes, both hugging their new princess sleeping bags from Lorrie and Butch.

We had a wonderful week but we are very glad to be back home!