Wade and I spent the morning boot shopping and not finding as much as you would expect. Evidently Milwaukee sells out of boots before Christmas. Wade found one pair and I decided to order a pair off the internet. Then came the exciting part of the day – we went snow tubing! One of Wade’s co-workers had told him that the local ski hill has tubing. We decided to try it out. What an awesome time!! There are numerous lanes and lifts to carry you and the tube up the hill. You can go down the chute by yourself or tandem (Wade and I tried that once). We got a little cold towards the end of the day – my new snow boots should be here on Wednesday – but I can’t wait to go back!
Wade and I rung in the new year in our building’s hot tub with a wonderful lake view – there are some perks to living in an apartment!
Wade had big plans for the day. He found a dog park for Madison. Little did we know it would be the best dog park ever. There was a huge area with a circular path, trees, a creek, hills, etc. Little clean up stations were conveniently located and no leashes were needed. Madison loved running all out and playing with the other dogs. Wade and I enjoyed a nice snowy hike through the woods.
I heard all the warnings. I knew it was supposed to snow today, but I was still overcome with excitement when I looked out the window and saw the snow. 3-6 inches were predicted and I would say we got at least that.
The roads aren’t too bad, Wade and I did venture out to pick up the new TV, but Wade came home form work early. I also determined Madison does not like the snow. She walked out in the dog park, quickly did her business, and then walked right back to the door. Poor Madison has no idea what she is in for.
Wade and I had planned to live fairly basic while we were in the apartment in Milwaukee. I packed minimal kitchen items, we borrowed furniture, and we didn’t pack a TV. I knew Wade was getting a new TiVo for Christmas, but I didn’t have room in my car and didn’t want to raise his suspicions by adding one to the pile. After Wade got the new HD TiVo, we decided to use the Christmas money from Dad and Laura on a new TV. Wade did his research, found the cheapest price, and located one that would be delivered tomorrow to a store. We drove to Circuit City, placed the order, and convinced them to use the 10% off coupon we received in the mail today – we ended up getting the TV about $600 cheaper than the list price. The new TV of choice is a Samsung 46″ LCD HD TV. The only slight concern I have is whether the TV will fit in our entertainment center at home.
I haven’t talked too much about what presents were given or received, but I have to talk about my favorite present. While opening presents at Wade’s parents’ house in Memphis, I received a small handmade model of the arcade game Area 51. I have always loved this game and played it whenever I found one. It is getting harder to find so I have had the game on my want list for years – never thinking I would get it. Well Wade gave it to me this year. He found a coin-op place that had a restored unit and was happy to hold it until we were ready to pick it up. I can’t wait to play and I don’t even have to worry about quarters! This will go great with my pinball machine.
We always end our Christmas celebrations with the Upshaws. This year was a little slim on people – Matt, Jason, Ben, and Stephanie were missing – but we had a good time anyway. Buddy mixed drinks. Mom had ham biscuits. There were presents and pictures.
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Only the boys are missing
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Wade and I had to get up early this morning for stockings with Mom, Melissa, and Chris. They were meeting all of the Jenkins’ side of the family for breakfast at 8:30. I only have a picture of mom with her stocking. Melissa and I have to admit to a little trouble filling the large stocking. Next year we will be better prepared.
Wade and I spend all of Christmas Day with his family at Granny and Papa’s house. We arrive in time for breakfast (which always includes Judy’s homemade coffee cake) and then have presents and spend the rest of the day visiting.
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Family Picture
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This is a big change for our family since last year. Granddad died in March and this is our first Christmas without him. For the first time that I remember, we are not having Christmas at Grandma’s house. Instead everyone is coming to Mom’s house for our traditional fried oyster dinner (and ham and macaroni and cheese for the rest of us).
Wade was in charge of keeping Madison under control until she was used to all the new people.
Then started the chaos of opening presents.
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Family present time
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Then we had several family photos.
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The whole family minus Jeremy
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