I know I'm a little late in posting this, but better late than never... Christmas just keeps getting better every year. This was Alex's first Christmas, and although she didn't seem to notice that this day was different from any other, we were very happy to spend it with her. Addie - being the Christmas veteran - was VERY excited. She enjoyed passing out the presents to everyone, and was thrilled with just about everything she got (which was absolutely TOO much)! The short list includes: - a doll house with dolls (from Santa) - an art easel (from Grandpa) - clothes, movies and a rolling backpack (from Mom and Dad) - a LeapFrog learning system and princess dress (from Nana and Papaw) - stuffed animals and books (from Pop and Nene) - musical instruments and blocks (from Niki and Loren) - and many other things that I'm forgetting to mention. Alex also picked up lots of loot. Her favorite presents include a baby glow worm, the bouncing activity center (from Grandpa) and, of course, the Bumbo (from Niki and Loren). Thanks to all who doted on my children! This year was also a little easier on us. You see, we usually have four Christmases to attend over a 24 hour period starting Christmas Eve. It's a bit exhausting, to say the least. This year we divided the family gatherings and celebrated over two days. We celebrated Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family and Christmas Day with my mom's side. On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed the nice weather and played outside before coming in for lunch. Brisket and ham sandwiches were on the menu, as well as various dips and sides. I can't really remember all that we had - all I know is that there were sugar cookies, and I must have eaten about five of them that day. After lunch, Addie played "Santa's little helper" and passed out the Christmas presents along with Ben. The girls got lots of great stuff from their great grandmother and their great aunts, uncles and cousins (great cousins? I don't think that's right... anyway). After the extended family left, the kids went down for a nap. After a slow and whiny wakening, we went for round two and opened presents again, this time with just the immediate family. Let's just say that we could have stopped right then and there. They had alreadly received so many presents, Kris and I were starting to wonder how we were going to make it home with all of them AND the kids.
Next, it was on to Mom's house. This year was a little different. Maybe it was the grandkids, maybe it was the fact that we had to wait for Brandon, Chayne, Casey, Niki, Loren and Taryn to arrive Christmas morning - but we were actually spared our normal Christmas morning wake up call (which consists of a Maria Carey Christmas CD blaring throughout the house). Whoo!
After opening presents at Mom's house (where we again picked up too much loot), we carivaned over to my aunt Debbie's house for our fourth Christmas. We were treated to a fabulous dinner of filet mignon and lobster, in addition to all the yummies that went with it. The kids had fun playing around the pool and in the wine cellar (this is always a big hit). The adults had fun lounging around the pool, playing football in the front yard and drinking mojitos. Surprisingly, this Christmas ended earlier than any other in recent memory. Whereas we typically celebrate WELL into the night, I think we all called it quits around 8pm. Some say its because Kris and Loren weren't drinking that night (thanks guys, for letting the girls have a few... or more than a few, in Niki's case).
All in all it was a great Christmas, and at least one little girl is already looking forward to next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment