Christmas with the Seelhammers

This is the only time we get together with our friends, the Seelhammers. I worked with Angela at the VA years ago and she was my best friend. She started dating Curtis and we started doing things together outside of work and then we ended up being in their wedding as bridesmaid and groomsman. They live on the south side of Atlanta, so it is about an hour's drive. But with our busy lives, we don't get to see each other except once a year usually. We ALWAYS look forward to our annual Christmas visit. They have a sweet girl, Anna who is 6 and a precious boy who is almost 3. I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to get together this year, but Saturday was the only day we could do it, so we rearranged our schedule.

It is always a big deal to decide what to do. We have done them all -all the big Christmas festivities-most of them more than once. We thought we would give Stone Mountain a try again and hope that it wasn't as packed as it normally is. But the weather looked very icky-rain with temps in the 30's and we were afraid it would be miserable. So, they just came to our house.

I fixed a big pot of chili and hotdogs for the kids. She brought appetizers and desserts. We had plenty to eat!! The kids played in the playroom while the adults got caught up and snacked. We just had a very enjoyable relaxing evening with our friends. Jennifer is great with the little kids-they all love her, but especially the little girls. She painted Anna's nails and even put some play makeup on her. Then we went to Monster minigolf. I wished I had brought my camera, but I didn't. We had free coupons and I gave our friends a BOGO coupon but Angela sang a Christmas carol for $2 off.

Justin beat everyone at minigolf, then Dale and me and then Angela and Curtis. It was so funny to watch Noah try to hit the ball. Curtis was putting at one hole, when this big tarantula came down from the ceiling on his shoulder. It was so funny! The lady behind the desk did it to him and we all laughed so hard. And the girls just went through at their own pace. What a change- instead of beating the crowds, we were the ONLY ones on the 18 hole course!! It was nice and fun. The kids played some games in the arcade when we were done and the men raced on the racecars. Dale won, but Curtis is a good sport. :)

We came back home and started playing the Wii. Well, the adults and Justin did anyways. The girls played Barbie on the computer. But we had a great time laughing with and at each other and challenging each other on the Wii bowling and boxing. Justin FINALLY beat this really tough GIRL that no one had ever been able to beat. He knocked her out but he was working hard!!!Then it was time for gifts. We always exchange gifts with the kids. They got Jennifer and Justin a Target gift card which they were happy with. We gave Anna a big doll and Noah got a firefighter figure. Curtis used to be a fireman, then a paramedic, then a cop and now he is an undercover law enforcement on the national level. So, both boys enjoyed playing with that.

They didn't leave until midnight, so it was a late night for everyone! But we had a great time with our friends and the time goes too fast when we are together. I am glad they came here and we just were able to relax and not rush around in the crowds. And we are hoping they can come to the lake with us this summer.

Me and Angela