How was the drive?

This evening our family spent the night in Illinois for the first of many Christmas parties. Every year we get together with my dad's side of the family on the Saturday before Christmas. There were 40 of us crammed into my grandpa's duplex. All of whom took their shoes off and left at the door (another tradition). Tonight my cousin made prime rib for dinner, then we watched the great-grandchildren open gifts, and finished off the celebration by playing a white elephant game where Tim's gift (a Charlie Brown Christmas tree) was one of the most sought after items. It was a long trip and short visit and not without a few meltdowns, but we made it there and back safe and sound.