Christmas Day

It was really an unusual Christmas for us for several reasons.  Christmas fell on a Sunday this year, and we weren't sure what we were going to do about going to church on Christmas Day.  With our situation, we decided not to go that morning. We continued our tradition of reading the Christmas story out of the bible with everyone snuggled in our bed first thing in the morning before anyone goes downstairs.  But the other reason it was unusual was that this was the first year that the kids didn't believe in Santa Clause.  So, I had always told them if you don't believe, he doesn't come.  And he didn't.  :(

It was different, but it was okay. We read the Christmas story, then came down.

 We did still do stockings, so the kids opened those first.

 Jake and the cats get stockings too. Here Jake waits patiently for his bag of treats.

 After breakfast, we opened out gifts.  Jennifer got a lot of nice things, as usual.

 One of my favorite parts of the morning are the many hugs that are shared with each other thanking them for their thoughtful gifts. Here Justin is hugging Jennifer.

 Jake got a new deer antler!! Definitely one of his favorite things!!

 Justin got a new Nintendo 3DS.

 Nana came over on Christmas morning

 And more NERF guns!!

 There was one gift left - an XBOX Kinect!! They were both SOO excited!!!!

 We told the kids that we could keep the XBOX and make a teen room out of the playroom OR we could return the XBOX and try to take a trip. They both agreed to change the play room to a teen hangout area, so we got to work on that.  We had given them a small screen but it was too small, so we ended up getting a large screen for that room.  There will be another post on that.

Then we headed to Dad and Sarah's house to celebrate over there.  Sarah had a yummy lunch and then we opened gifts from them. Sarah had made the kids a blanket each as well as their other gift.

I had hoped to get to go back over to Mom and Bill's house to celebrate with Bill's family, but just didn't feel like it. I had a cold this Christmas and was just really tired by that evening, so I ended up just hanging out and playing with our new gift - the Kindle Fire.  I think I am really going to like it. 

Christmas Eve

We have started a new tradition on the morning of Christmas Eve. It started last year, so this was our second year. In our house, that makes a tradition. :)  We go over to the Koehlers house, where Mrs. Tina makes some awesome homemade doughnuts.  We just hang out and eat donuts and its a nice relaxing way to officially start Christmas.

But the really OFFICIAL way we start Christmas is at church for our Christmas Eve service.  We went this year, and then headed over to Mom and Bill's for our family gathering at their house.  We were glad to see my brother Brandon who flew in from Miami to be with us over Christmas.  We aren't used to anyone living so far away, so its a treat when he comes home.

Nick and Lindsey and their kids joined us again this year, as well.  It's always a little more crazy with more kids in the house, but adds to the excitement and fun as well.

 We ALWAYS have a hard time getting Brian to keep his eyes open for pictures. But this year, Brandon seemed to be having a problem, so we keep shooting until we get them both with open eyes.

 Mom and her boys

Mimi got all the grandkids a pillow and blanket set. Michael and Mia pulled theirs out and snuggled under them right away.

As usual, Mom and Bill went all out and showered us with nice gifts.  Thank you Mom for all you do for everyone!! And for teaching us what Christmas is all about!!

Christmas party

This was our turn to host the annual Christmas party with our friends-the Hills and the Koehlers.  We had plenty of appetizers and tacos for dinner and all sat down with the adults in the dining room and the kids in the kitchen.  During dinner, the door bell rang and our neighbors were there to sing Christmas carols to us.  It was the first time that I think I had ever been "caroled" to, as normally I am always on the singing end.  But it was neat to be the recipient for once and I loved that everyone got to enjoy it. 

After dinner, we got everyone together for the kid's Christmas gift exchange. We decided to do a Whtie elephant Christmas exchange again this year, but this year the kids did more "stealing" of gifts, which made it more fun. 

 Courtney got the coveted first and last choice. She picked a pillow pet and never traded with anyone.

 Jordan went next and unwrapped an airsoft gun pistol with safety glasses and pellets.

 Justin "stole" it from her and she is choking him but I really think she was happy about that exchange.

 Jennifer unwrapped a popcorn bucket with stuff for movie night.

Jessica just couldn't decide who she wanted to steal from -there were too many good choices!

 Brandon had stolen the popcorn bucket from Jennifer and didn't want Jessica to take it from him, but she did.

 Jennifer ended up with some jewelry and lotions and girlie stuff.

Jackie was thrilled with her mood light and Brandon ended up with a movie.  Jordan finally ended up with a NERF gun.

Then the ladies exchanged their gifts. Tina gave us a beautiful platter with a lovely saying about friendship on it.  Dana gave us the book "One for the money" with a movie ticket in there for a girl's night out to see the movie when it comes out in January.  And I gave them a Hallmark bag of goodies, including some countdown blocks with pictures on it from all of our Christmases together. 

 Then it was time for our annual Christmas picture. Above is the fun one!!

 For some reason, we had a hard time getting everyone to smile at the same time without Jake getting in the picture.

I love our friends!! They are a blessing from the Lord and I appreciate them more than ever!!