Because Thanksgiving fell so late in November this year, our tree acquisition and decorating took place in December. As has become tradition, Football Santa was the first ornament to make it on the tree.

Derek made sure he was available to come home that Sunday to help put the tree up.

With all the helping hands, the tree didn’t take long to decorate. We were ready for the star on the top in no time.

We received the proofs from this handsome guy’s last year of school pictures.

Ruth and I kept with tradition and made gingerbread men to give as gifts to the neighbors.

Wrestling continued on for Peter. He wrestled in a tournament after Thanksgiving break,

and also in a meet in Rockford. Tiffany joined me for that one–the three hour round trip allowed us some good windshield time.

Jake and Tiffany arrived in the middle of December, which we were thrilled about. We were able to have sweet extended time with them. While the girls went to the wrestling meet, the boys headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up supplies to make balsa wood gliders.

One day, Jake and Tiffany helped with homeschool. Jake took on Jeremy’s math,

while Tiffany helped Ruth with her writing.

Peter went to soiree with a group of guys.

Tiffany and I had some future mother- and daughter-in-law bonding as we organized my clothes closet.

Then we celebrated with a sushi lunch. Yummers.

There was lots of wrestling among the four boys, just like old times. Only bigger bodies make a bigger impact on the floor and walls.

Jake and Derek joined my parents for a triple date in the city one evening.

Jake got this shot of the city lights reflected on the Bean. Beautiful.

Then it was time to prepare for Christmas Eve dinner with the Johanik side of the family. The table was set…

and the food prepared.

We had a fun time together.

Christmas morning, we gathered around the advent wreath and lit the Christ candle and read about the birth of Jesus many years ago.

The kids all bought gifts for one another, which meant lots of presents all around.

Even the animals received gifts. Lettuce and carrots for the piggies…

and a new sweater for Molly.

Molly and I went on our annual Christmas morning jog. It was unseasonably warm this year, so she went without her sweater.

Then we headed into Chicago to celebrate with the Giere side of the family. The seventeen of us spent all day in Mom and Dad’s condo, laughing, telling stories,

playing games,

building Legos,

and eating. We made our way up to the rooftop to take some pictures. We were grateful for the warm weather–no one wore a coat! I’m sure we could have squeezed another few people onto that elevator.

The whole clan:

And it all began with these two…

The Johanik clan:

The soon to be Mr. and Mrs.

This was a great shot of the city from the rooftop, taken at night.

The day after Christmas, most of the cousins went rock climbing. It was the perfect way to burn off energy.

The kids encouraged and helped each other,

as well as engaged in some friendly competition.

We knew it was time to head home when people were checking their watches

and more folks were watching than climbing.

Grandma and Grandpa treated everyone to Portillo’s.

While we were rock climbing, Jim and Derek drove to Detroit to watch Eastern Michigan play in a bowl game.

One day we opened up Wheaton Academy and set up the badminton net for some more competition. The teams were settled.

Ruth and I kept score and hit the birdie around on our own for practice. She didn’t think she was ready for competition quite yet. Probably a good call, since it got heated at times (shocker).

We enjoyed seeing some friends over the break. On NYE, we had the VanHuises over for dinner and games. We actually made it until midnight.

Earlier that day, some of us ran in a 5K race in Chicago. Unlike Christmas Day, it was cold and blustery. But that didn’t dampen our excitement. Pre-race gathering at Gma and Gpa’s.

The traditional race pic with Jake and Grandma.

We all finished well! Dad was the faithful cheerleader as we neared the finish line.