Another Christmas has come and gone. This year the season snuck up on me and was over in a heartbeat. Actually, we still have more family to see, so I guess it’s not over just yet. We were supposed to go see Mandy and Rachel today, and Rosy was going to meet us there then head up here afterwards, but the roads were so awful we turned around and came home. Rosy will drive tomorrow. Weather permitting. Now I have an unexpected free afternoon. Eve is napping (she really needed a nap!), Lex and Alan are updating Lex’s computer, so I decided to blog post was in order. Maybe some UVEI work too. My “vacation work” list is glaring at me from where I strategically placed it on the desk.
Christmas was smallish this year, but Alan was able to set up a Google Hangout so we got to see everyone, either in person or on the big screen. My words aren’t working well so I’m going to switch to pictures.
On Christmas Eve we went to Grandpa’s for dinner.
We started with a walk to the lake to burn off some energy before going inside.
Kicking snow and ice into the water.
Alan is a really tree hugger. :)
Leave it to Eve to find a beautiful (fake) flower on the road in December.
Pizza and salad and lots of cookies for dinner. Then back home for the all important cookies for Santa tradition.
Cookies and milk for Santa. An apple and two carrots for Rudoph. A bowl full of carrots for the rest of the reindeer. Two very excited children.
Christmas Eve tree. Funny how the camera picks up the blue lights primarily. We really have multi-color lights, not just blue.
I tried to get fancy with the photography here. It didn’t work well.
Santa left a few presents in the kids’ bedroom, under the little tree they have in there. The kids were up early and opened those presents, then we all got up and went downstairs for stockings and breakfast.
Eve was excited to see her kitty in her stocking. “Silly kitty,” she said.
Personalized notepads…
… and toothbrushes is what my kids get in their stockings! (plus candy and bubble bath and pens and oranges, of course!)
There’s always time for a few stories.
Joyce stopped by to say hi before work. I wish she was REALLY here, but the big screen is the next best thing. We miss you Sister J!
After Mema and Grandpa Tom got back from church, and Katie and Popcube arrived, it was time for presents. The kids did a great job waiting until nearly 10:30 when everyone was here and settled.
I told the kids they had to use their new notepads to make thank you notes after each present. Lex almost took me seriously and started making a list of what gave him what. That lasted for about three presents. :)
Eve loves her tie-dye kit. We were just talking about making tie-dye a few days ago. Santa must have been listening.
Lex made this neat Santa artwork for Eve at school.
Mema is ready for a rocking NYE!!
Eve LOVES her fairy costume!
Selfie. :)
Eve got a Barbie head. She’s pretty excited.
Lex loves his new wall tracks. He is already planning to buy more with is Christmas money.
Little girl in fairy wings blow drying Barbie’s head on Christmas morning. That’s how we roll around here. :)
Lex got a few cool games this year. This one is a Lego one.
Christmas dinner was beautiful and delicious. The crowd was just eight instead of our usual 12-13, but that’s ok. I will be enjoying lasagna leftovers for days!
My friend gave me fancy napkin rings last year. The kids had fun with them.
Barney and Lorie joined us after dinner. Before dinner in their timezone. Maybe next year we can all be in the same timezone. I can hope, anyway.
Since we were all staring at the TV anyway, we watched a few Christmas carol videos on YouTube. Pentatonix – Little Drummer Boy, is my favorite. Eve’s favorite is Libera ~ Carol of the Bells.
Grandpa Tom, giving me the eye.
This morning another package came filled with more presents! This one was from the Kirkwoods and came filled with things the kids loved, including Magic Kitten books and Infinity Books. Julie, I LOVE your Haven donation for Eve. She thought it was nice, but seemed much more interested in the Magic Kitten sticker book. Perhaps her concern for the homeless is a bit fickle. :)
Lex is pretty excited about his Infinity Ring books from the Kirkwoods.
Merry Christmas to all! Another wonderful one on the books.
oh no! when mosts guests are there who is left to comment? WELL I’m VERY SAD I MISSED CHRISTMAS AGAIN. i love you all soo much!!