Happy Holidays to All

This holiday season we had a house full. My brother and his two kids came to spend Christmas as did Trevor's brother and fiance. Everyone arrived on Thursday prior to Christmas and from there the festivities kicked off.
Christmas cookie making time.

We spent Christmas Eve, doing last minute shopping, making cookies for Santa, and playing Uno with a John Deere version. Derek loved this cause of course he is like his Uncle Kyle and loves John Deere. The kids loved their cookies they made and of course even the big kids had to get in and make their own. Uno was a great game and everyone played. The kids are funny cause they leave their cards face up on the table so everyone can see, but it is definitely a great way to be learn. Of course the adults influenced some of their decisions. But that was the fun it. After the kiddos went to bed so they can wake up for Santa, the adults waited to see if we could see Santa. Santa needed some extra help putting some of the gifts together, so the men took on that challenge. Not too difficult. Just some scooters that came already assembled.

Christmas morning we all knew would be an early one with kids aged 3 to 8. First kid, Austin, came into my room at 5, but we quickly were able to convince to go back to bed. By 0600, Derek and Shawn were up whispering in the hall that it was Christmas. Derek came and hit me on the head to wake up. Of course he whispered this. I told him to go wake others before he headed downstairs. Every person he went to wake up, he just whispered it was Christmas which was way too cute. Derek I think was the most excited this year. As soon as he got downstairs he knew exactly which presents were new under the tree. He must have been mentally taking pictures over the last few weeks. I showed him the fireplace and he saw that Santa left him and the others scooters. So the fun began. Paper flying everywhere, not taking any time for mommy to figure out who got them what. Austin said everything was from Santa. It was always "Look what Santa got me". Donna and Shawn loved that Santa knew they were at our house so that they received stuff too. Of course the morning wore off by 0830 and the kids were busy playing with all the new toys and the men couldn't put them together quick enough. Christmas dinner was prepped and ready to go for an afternoon eating. It rained all day so we did not go anywhere, but we did do a movie for the evening for the kids. We popped popcorn and had them enjoy. Once they were in bed, it was time for cards for the adults. A great game of Phase 10 and Shang hai were completed. Love that quality time.

Boxing day (day after Christmas) was spent relaxing. Of course the kids spent more time playing with all their new gifts and the walkie talkies were a hit. The girls received spa services from Santa to help celebrate Meghan's birthday. It was great. We stopped at the beach first since Meghan had never been down to our place and then we headed off for our relaxing services while the men took care of the boys. Although I am sure they were all playing with the toys. Donna had her first manicure and pedicure and she enjoyed the services. Meghan had a birthday massage, while I enjoyed an outstanding hour long pedicure. My feet felt so great afterwards that I don't think I wanted to walk anywhere.

Once we returned, my brother, Donna, and Shawn had to head off to my mom's. So we said our goodbyes and made plans to hopefully see each other again in the summer. Kyle and Meghan were still there and to continue Meghan's birthday celebration we took her to the local Irish Pub for dinner. Once Derek and Austin went to bed for the night, we of course had to play another game of Shang-hai before Kyle and Meghan headed off in the morning.

It was a great holiday celebration with family and we all can't wait to see each other again. Now it is time to clean up and put stuff away. Then it will be back to waiting for Peyton's arrival in Feb. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season as we had.