Christmas 2012

Just to recap and remember the fun of a close to ...12 Days of Christmas

Friday, December 21:
Cocktail Party at my mom's and Bob's (always super fun and enjoyable, they have way cool friends and neighbors and some of our family and friends stop too)
Saturday, December 22:
Christmas at the Farm with EVERYONE, 16 adults and 23 grandchildren.  The highlight this year was that Santa and Mrs. Claus made a surprise visit during the evening.  They were so kind and had each of the 23 grandchildren on their laps and chatted with each one about school, toys, being good, etc...  It was truly amazing.  Grandma Berning informed me the other day the best gift Santa gave out that night was this...I also had overheard Santa whisper into her ear, "This house is filled with a lot of love." 
Other good traditions that happened once again were sledding behind the gator. 6 kids in two sleds and 4 or more kids in the gator, along with Terry driving makes for some good ol fashion farm sledding and lots of fun for the kids, and of course Terry too. 
Last, but most important of all... is the 3rd year now for "The Nativity".  This is where Grandpa has given each grandchild and parent a part in placing Jesus, Mary, and Joseph into the stable along with the animals and wise men and angel while he reads the The Christmas Story.  Older grandchildren take turns with some opening, intermission and closing songs on the piano as well.
Sunday, December 23rd:
We celebrated our immediate Hinz family Christmas after mass.  It was the first year, without Nick and his family.  We missed them, but were excited for them to have a special and relaxing Christmas at home too.
Monday, December 24th CHRISTMAS EVE:
see previous posts, 7pm mass at Menominee and a total surprise when we got home Santa had made one of his first stops at our house!
Tuesday, December 25th CHRISTMAS DAY:
The kids really enjoyed playing with their new toys from Santa.  We had a farmer's feast for breakfast with my mom too. Then off to the Rojeman Christmas at Jeff's house in Tennyson.  Followed by a short stop back home for the kids to rest and Matt to do some chores.  Off to the John Berning's Family Christmas at the Midway.  Finally, to my mom's for my dad, Tom Hinz Family Christmas.
Wednesday, December 26th:
We celebrated with my mom's side of the family at my aunt and uncle's house Steve and Michelle McCarron.  This was the first year we did our celebration the day after and not on Christmas Eve.  It seemed to work out well for everyone.
Thursday, December 27th:
Another Berning get together.  Happy 65th Birthday to Matt's dad, John Berning.  We took to Fischer Bowling Lanes for an adult night out and to watch Matt's sister, Penny's bowling skills. 
Also, it's official Matt along with John and Ellen signed the paperwork- Matt now is the sole owner of Berning Acres Inc. CONGRATS LOVE!