The Post-Holiday Blues

After the excitement and flurry of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's all packed into 6 weeks, it is normal to feel a little let down after it's all over.  The traveling, family, gifts, food, celebrating, Holiday church services, etc. can be exhausting though.  This was the first year in 6 years that I have not had to work one of the holidays, so we took full advantage.  And by that I mean several trips back and forth from Chicago to see family.  It was great to be able to be with family and not miss out on anything this year.  Cooper even got to stay in Chicago a few days on his own with the grandparents while mom and dad flew home to work a few days in between two weekend trips.  We cannot thank our parents enough for the generosity and love they show to us this time of year.  They took extra time and care this year (as they do always), to uphold family traditions and create new ones. 

But with all this being said, we are exhausted and happy to just be home.  We are looking forward to a month of not going anywhere, snuggling in while the snow and wind whip outside, and hanging out as a family.  We just need to be home and relax. So although usually this time of year I DO have the Post-Holiday Blues, I think I can honestly say I feel a sense of relief that is over this year.  Might want to check back with me in a few weeks though and I will probably feel differently ;)

SOOO many fun pictures were taken over the last few weeks, so I will just share a few (with captions of course!)

"Group" charades at the Zeltwanger family Christmas

2nd Cousin Love. 

Cooper going in for a kiss, and Josie just loving it!

And now a little hug.

Family Pic on Grandpa and Grandma Z's fireplace.  We have had so many family pictures taken here over the years.

The Whole Group.  Even though my mom was very sick over Christmas, she was amazing and rallied for all the events.  I know she was so happy to have us all here this year.  (Last year I think no one was able to be at the Z family Christmas ;(  )

Another family picture + Grandpa and Grandma.

I love how Coop is sitting on his lap ;)

Blowing out candles has become his new obsession.  So when Andy and I had to leave to go back to Chicago, Aunt Heather had the great idea to distract him by lighting all these candles.  She said it worked like a charm!  He didn't even know (or care) that we had left.  Oh our little pyro.

Papa

Grandpa Wayne

Making Christmas cookies with Cousin Grif and Cousin Saywer.  Grandpa Wayne and Gigi were brave to take on this task with these 3......

Once the kids were all asleep, we had some funny adult moments as well.  Andy needed a little help trying to get his feet into his new cowboy boots.....

Family Picture at our Bible Study's Holiday Brunch.

 

The Whole Gang.  There are 4 grandkids right now, next year it will be 5 when Baby Richard joins the group!

And when it's all done and over, it's always hard to say goodbye.  Coop even tried to catch a ride home with Aunt Heather!

 

And finally a little Happy New Year from Coop and his gal pal Jayla. 

Here's to a great 2013 for you and your families!

 (This picture was taken right before Coop pulled the elastic on his hat string and snapped his face, which resulted in a meltdown.  You can see him reaching for it here.....)