Whew!

It's been quite some time since I've last posted, and I apologize for the delay! As is true with many around us, the RibClan has been hit by the terrible flu bug that's going around...and sure enough, it's slowed us down a bit. Lucky for us, though, we were able to enjoy most of the holiday festivities.

Here's the highlights:
*Christmas Eve at Great Grandma's...in her late 80's, she's still baking cookies and attempting to make us a charming meal (just ask me about the crunchy onion rings that made little B exclaim, "Oh NO!". We were treated to many fun gifts by family, and lots of happy smiles by our kids enjoying the wonder of Christmas that was finally "here"! Kdee searched for the star of Bethlehem during our drive home that night, one of those blessed moments where you get to see Faith working through your child and I'll remember it forever. I'll also treasure the moments like ribB and I had that night preparing for Santa's visit--eating cookies, carrots (for Rudolph) and answering Kdee's note to Santa which said, and I kid you not, "PS--Are Penguins and Pandas related?". (On a side note, she cracked us up earlier in the week by matter of factly stating, "Santa is rea! Who else would leave presents and eat cookies at night? )"

*Christmas Morning at home...The thrill of finding that Santa came to our home, opening our gifts to one another (including the ones that Kdee selected out of her own possessions to give away to us, which she wrapped). The favorites included The Chronicles of Narnia DVD (Kdee) and a big bag of blocks (little B). (Little B was really into opening presents this year!).

*Christmas late morning...We packed up and headed to LaX, to the RibClan side of the family. After a 2.5 hr drive, we had a super time with all of the Rib's. There's always lots of laughter (and now lots of little ones!). The older kids were funny--counting gifts and really examining the packages. They did a great job at being patient, although the annual "grandchild" photo didn't quite make the mark this year.

*Day after Christmas...we spent the day in LaX to unwind a bit, as well as to give RibB some time to "bow" shop with his dad (his Christmas gift from all of the family). Unfortunately, this is when the flu bug hit--and the ride home was not fun at all for ribB. Lots of stops. The kids were oblivious to it all and were actually quite merry, with little B singing "Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Silent Night/Holy Night at the top of his lungs. A half hour/hour after we got home, I got the flu bug as well. Unfortunately, we both had critical things to finish at work the next day, so there was no staying home after a long, long night of being up sick. Yuck.

*Next day...Christmas at my Mom & Paul's. They kindly allowed our sick family in (and even more kindly watched our kids for the afternoon, who didn't have care that week) and we had a very nice time celebrating together. We couldn't resist all of the yummy goodies that they made and really enjoyed their cozy home. The kids had a blast, and really loved being there that afternoon. Later that night...Ben's up all night, and we never really know why (all the travel and out of sorts? Flu?) but it wasn't fun for two parents who were really counting on, and needing, a good night of sleep after being sick. (But I must say, there is something magical to rocking a child to sleep in the middle of the night.)

*Thursday...ribB is home with the kids. My day was actually pretty fun at work. Heather and I celebrated the season over a fun lunch out--and, a fun "Holiday" dinner with our designers at The Bayport Cookery. I know I gush about this place often, so I won't bore you with the details of the meal! (OK, it was amazing!) We did enjoy a chance to relax with our very talented designers, who always make us look good and are such good people themselves. I really enjoy working with them.

*Friday...I'm home with the kids. In between fun activities together (including lunch out at SUBWAY! (one of Kdee's faves), we packed up for our fun New Year's weekend plans in Southern WI. After dinner, we were off to stay at a hotel along the way. The kids fell asleep during our 3 hour drive and, of course, woke up once we walked into the hotel. little B promptly said, "Man, eat pizza" about some men eating pizza in the lobby and Kdee got to go swimming at 10:30 at night! Wild! Little B was fascinated with the hotel room! Ironically, this turned out to be the same hotel we stayed at for the last Ribclan family Christmas with Grandma Jean, whom we greatly miss.

*Saturday...After a morning swim, we venture to see Grandpa Tiny who's in a nursing home nearby. His health has declined a lot in the last few months, and we only for a short while. He is a very special man, whom ribB is quite close to. He does seem to recognize ribB, which he is so grateful for. little B slept in our arms during the entire visit, while Kdee shly waited by his door (nursing homes can be pretty overwhelming for a little girl!). Next, we ventured to do a quick visit with my good friend Milly and her family, who kindly let us unwind a bit before we headed to on to our New Year's get together with college friends. With only half of us there Saturday night, we relaxed and caught up with Mike, Kelly, Julie and their families.

*Sunday...The gang's all here! Everyone, including our friends from California and Louisana join us WI folks in the fun. We spend a lot of time talking, playing games, kids playing together, fighting together, cooking fun appetizers, making fondue...and getting sick. The bug hit hard Sunday night, and our Louisana friends were busy caring for their son, and then themselves. The rest of us stayed away (ha!) and had a lot of fun playing "Apples to Apples" as the New Year rang in. Little B and ribB were also a bit sick with different forms of the flu/cold bug, but ribB did manage to join us at 11:30pm, after a 3 hour tuck in with little B. Very mellow, but with these folks, always a great time no matter what.

*Monday...On our 4 hour drive home, the kids were getting a bit squirrely, so we decided to stop at Grandma/Grandpa's house for a little running around time. Grandma/pa do a lot care for another set of their grandchildren, so Kdee was especially excited to see her cousin at their house and little B attempted some play with his same-age cousins as well. It was nice to get out and stretch, and the kids and I took a nice walk later to get some fresh air. Then it was back on the road....

*Tuesday...ribB and I are not feeling well. We didn't get much sleep the night before due to illness and little B being up a lot the night before (colds, parties and traveling do not mix well for little one's sleep habits). The kids went to school and daycare, and we stayed home. Even though we were home together, we kind of stayed away from each other's sickness. I think I saw him for 2 hours total this day! Blagh!


From here on, life becomes more normal with each day. We're still working on little B's sleep/feeling better, but with each day he gets better. Kdee has been awesome--feeling good, good behaviors, very cute. It was so nice to have a weekend at home last weekend, and with another one this weekend, we are sure to be doing awesome next week!

We did enjoy an awesome post holiday get together with our good friends, Jo Anne, Denni and Evan (Kdee's future husband) last weekend, as well as my fun outings with my coworker Cindy & friends Friday night (she's getting married soon!) and with my four dear grade school/high school friends, Angie, Lisa and Jacqueline on Sunday night. Always a fantastic time!

With little B's growing language and nearing birthday, here are some funny notes on our "baby": Little B likes to answer questions with a "Ummm" before his answer--very funny. He also loves baths, especially with his sister. He'll yell, "c'm on Kdee!" to get her upstairs with him. He also loves to yell, "mommy (etc.) ! Are you?", even if you just walked out of the room. We can't believe he's almost 2--and, yet, given his size, it seems like he should be 3! Time has definitely flown by...

I have lots of photos to post, which will probably take up 2+ posts!
Photos: a typical Christmas morning--toys to open, toys to throw!; the robot Kdee was so excited to get that she asked to take this picture, not a bad photo for a 6 year old!; Kdee celebrating with Grandma R; the kids with "Grandma Honey & Buppa Paul"....