Birthday and Christmas Eve

We headed for Illinois on Saturday, December 22nd. We were supposed to leave right after lunch, but I woke up not feeling well at all. Jess took one look at my throat and encouraged me to go to the doc in a box. When I signed in they told me it would be a 45 minute wait. That wait turned into being there over two hours. I was afraid to breath. Everyone had the flu and I knew I didn't, just a sore throat. Anyway, I came out with a prescription to treat strep throat. We finally were on our way. We usually only have to stop once, but this trip we stopped three times. Life with little ones. :)

Sunday was my 30th birthday (yes 30th). My entire family met for Mexican for lunch and in the evening my mom cooked a delicious birthday meal (stuffed spinach shells). I milked the day for all it was worth. Every time one of the kids needed something I would look at Jess and say "It's my birthday!" :) I love to play games, so that afternoon and evening we played Phase 10. It was a wonderful day and I felt special and spoiled. 

On Christmas Eve my dad, sister, niece, and my family went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. One of my favorite things to do is go out for breakfast. My mom unfortunately had the stomach bug, so she wasn't able to come. Later that day we went to my home town's Christmas Eve service. Jess and I do not get to worship together since he is on staff at our church, so we were so excited to sit together at the service. My best friend Brook and her new husband came over right before the service to hang out for a bit. After the service Jess dropped me off at the store to buy Canon snow boots and a winter jacket. On Christmas Eve we were projected to get over a foot of snow (which ultimately ended in 3 inches of snow). 

Tried to get a family picture after the Christmas Eve service, but Harper as not having it. 

Before bedtime we read the "Night before Christmas" to the kids like we do every Christmas Eve. 

Canon and Harper all ready for bed. The kids did great sleeping. Harper even gave us a 10 hours stretch one night!