Christmas Day

Because my family gets together on Christmas Eve, and Dave's family doesn't live close by, we are able to spend Christmas day home together all day!! It is such a lovely, relaxing day. No travels, no major cooking, just enjoying each other. The kids get to enjoy all their new toys, we get to play with the new games together. (I get to rest up for a big day of post holiday shopping!!)

We get home from my family celebration pretty late, so the kids usually will sleep in a bit. This year I made it a point to have all the presents wrapped ahead of time so Dave and I aren't up half the night getting presents out and wrapped and we don't risk bumping in to Santa ;) We just had a few last minute things to wrap up and then we were able to get to bed as well.

We had such a lovely day. The kids were very happy with their gifts and excited to give gifts as well. They had each bought presents for each other and us and were eager to give them to us. We got lots of "Thank you"s and a few "I ALWAYS WANTED THIS!!!" We did just the right amount this year. I cut back a little (in quantity, not cost!!) and it was nice. They got things they really wanted and the spread was pretty even. Each one of them got (from us) a Lego set, a Wii game, a DVD, a new game, a Webkinz, the boys each got a ball and Ady got a Princess music CD.

From Santa Ady got a My Little Pony Roller Coaster, Tayden got a Sled, and Kyler got a 973 peice Lego Castle. Also they got some little things in their stockings along with their favorite treats.

We also opened presents from Dave's side of the family. Ady got a beautiful toy chest that Dave's mom painted. She absolutely loves it!! She was super excited to find another gift wrapped inside it. She and Tayden thought that was hilarious! Tayden adn Kyler got remote control vehicles which they both loved. We also got Mario Kart for the Wii from Dave's brother's family.

The entire Christmas break was very nice. We played lots of board games, watched lots of movies and played all our new Wii games. We thouroughly enjoyed each other. Last year I ws eager for school to start again, but this year I didn't want the break to end. I feel so content and happy this year. I feel so lucky to have such a lovely home, beautiful, loving children, a fantastic husband and so many wonderful friends and family. We are so blessed.

Christmas Eve with the Cousins

(Warning this post is long, if you just want photos, there is a slideshow at the bottom. If you are related to me, you are required to read the entire post, though. There will be a quiz!) :)

Every year for Christmas, my side of the family gets together on Christmas Eve to celebrate. It is a gift giving extravaganza!! We spend hours opening gifts. This year it was hosted by my sister, Cara. There was lots of yummy foods, fun games, and loads of presents. Cara did save us all a bit of time by having the gift area nice and organized so that the gift opening could go a bit faster. As we walked into her house there was labeled zones for where to put presents for each person. As you brought gifts in from the car the kids put them where they belonged. Then when each person's turn came to open gifts, they were all together. The kids all had a good time seeing all their presents in a stack and counting how many they got.

While we were waiting for more family to arrive we played some fun games. Kelly got the kids going in pretending to be "interviewed" It was cute to see what they would say. Kelly and Sydney ( age 10) are so sweet with Ady and Tayden and do a good job including everyone in the games. Tanner (13) is the oldest and has been very patient with the younger kids playing with his things and messing up his room. He always gives everyone the best hugs!! This year Kyler and Kristen (age 7) were having a lot of fun with the nerf guns. My brother, Mike is a kid at heart and joined them. Of all the kids, he got into the most mischeif, aiming the guns at his wife!! He will never learn :)

For the past several years Dave and I have been making Gingerbread houses to take to Christmas Eve for everyone to decorate. This has become a fun tradition.


Another fun tradition that is just getting rolling is to sneak in some gag gifts. This year we had some great ones. My mom had spent a lot of time making her gifts to each of us beautiful. Lots of pretty bows and wrapped very nicely. Well someone (Mike!) snuck in to the pile of gifts while she wasn't paying attention and added dog biscouts to each package as a decoration. Each of us got a lovely dog treat with our gifts and my mom kept saying "No, that part's not from me!!" This year "Santa" left some gifts for Mike. He got some Back Hair remover,and some Kandoo Wipes for Sensitive skin
My sister and my cousin, Jenny, have a little rivalry going over who is the "Best Little Girl Ever" or BLG. My aunt started this by saying it was my sister, and not her own daughter, Jenny. For several years now there have been little gags and jokes about it. T-shirts have been made, poems written. This year was hilarious though. Jenny gave my sister a framed photo of herself

My sister's gift topped them all. She made a BLG Book for Jenny telling her how to be the true BLG it was very funny. My Aunt's reaction was so funny!

This year we had so much fun!! I am so thankful to be in such a fun loving family that loves to spend time together!

My little Cub Scout

Kyler is now in Cub Scouts. He is so excited and looks forward to doing all the fun things they get to do. He keeps asking when he will get to go to camp (daycamp). Its not until summer, but already he is anticipating it. Last night he had his first official scout meeting and came home in full garb. (below) He is excited to work on memorizing the motto and pledge for next time. They meet twice a month.

Wednesday Whimsy: I love these crazy kids