The Christmas Shuffle

This was our second year of celebrating Christmas morning at home, followed by the pilgramage north to eagerly waiting relatives. We're becoming pros. One of our greatest achievements this year was doing our holiday shopping on Black Friday up in PA. We wrapped all the gifts as soon as we bought them and had them waiting patiently in a closet until this weekend arrived. This meant less stuff to stuff into the car before heading north. Bailey was grateful.

The usual stops were made - first to Uncle Gene's, with Nana, Pop-Pop, Uncle Dave and Aunt De.

Then, to Uncle Dennis and Aunt Joan's house, where Alex and Ryan became fast frienemies (in the sweetest, most sincere terms possible).

The next morning we celebrated Christmas, part 2, with Grandma and Grandpa in the morning, followed by a trek up to Poppy and Grams. That trip is always special because the cousins all get to play. I don't think Ryan and Lindsey realize yet how lucky they are to have cousins the same age as them, but it sure takes a load off of us as parents.

Especially when there is a new cousin to love on.

Ryan and Grace are like two peas in a pod.

And though Lindsey and Evelyn are still feeling each other out, they did find one common connection - Evelyn likes to play mommy and Lindsey likes to eat :)

So although the Christmas Shuffle leaves all of us extremely exhausted, there is no better place to be than in the company of those you love. Regardless of how many trips in the car it takes.