Christmas in Avon

This weekend, we went to my grandparents' farm in Avon by way of Carrie and Ben's house in Normal. It was a good weekend, but because of traveling with a 1-year-old, it wasn't everything we hoped. We went into the weekend just thinking of how much fun Sophia has with lots of activity going on around her and how much she loves her family. What we forgot to factor into the equation is how much work she can be when she doesn't nap. So she didn't nap well at Carrie's and didn't nap at all at Grandma's. Still, she was very sweet and not misbehaved. Just a challenge for us. What more can we ask for?

We still had a very good time with Carrie, Ben and their guest Devonte in Normal. It was good to visit with them a little. Not as much as I would have liked...because I got sick while there. Isn't that priceless? Then we had a lot of fun at Granny's house, where Sophie exchanged gifts with Aaron, William, Jacob and Jeffrey. Then the whole family showed up for a great meal and a crazy gift exchange. Erick and I are very pleased with what we came home with - an ottoman and a luxurious bathrobe! Mmmm. Since Sophie hadn't slept a wink since 6:30 a.m., we left before the Snack Challenge. It's a new tradition in our family to make a snack or drink that you think will receive the largest number of Lock (or in-law) votes in order to take home the prize of a lovely Santa cookie plate. It's a good time, and we were sad to miss it. Especially since Abby, my 13-year-old cousin, took away the prize with what must have been some delicious zucchini bread. David came in second with Erica's recipe Caramel Corn. Maybe next year, David.

Anyway, we are glad to be home today. Sophia especially. She has done nothing but grin and giggle all day. I guess I should just lower my expectations when it comes to our holiday plans. She is, after all, just a baby! Because of my craziness, I didn't get too many pictures. So here's one of Sophie at Carrie's, riding her old horse Topper that we used to "ride" when we were kids! She was bouncing, so her head got chopped off a little bit. And a great shot of Jeffrey and me. He ALWAYS smiles like that.