Christmas Galore

WARNING: Long winded post.

My kids love Christmas, of course. What kid doesn't? In our family the presents spread over 3 days of Christmas fun. Christmas Eve is spent at James' parents house. All the kids and grand kids join Grandma & Grandpa for a Chinese feast. This year, after filling our bellies and conversating, the grand kids put on the Nativity. Glenda found a part for each child, and helped them dress the part. Next, those who wanted to (which turned out to be all the kids) shared a talent. There were many songs payed on the piano, singing of Christmas carols, and even some running like a leopard (good job Ian). Finally, the kids were able to exchange their gifts with the chosen cousin. They were all so thankful to each other, giving big hugs. Next, Grandma & Grandpa handed out all their presents to the grand kids. On the count of three they all tore into them at the same time. There were many cheers and squeals of delight. After things calmed down we sent the kids upstairs to watch a movie, while the parents and grandparents exchanged their gifts. It was a fun night.

The next morning, Christmas morning, we were woken up by Eliza at 8:01 am (we told her she couldn't wake us up before 8). We didn't get home until 11:30 pm the night before, so we thought this was reasonable. We talked her into giving us a few more minutes sleep, then we got the boys, woke up Ava and headed downstairs. The two oldest were thrilled to see that Santa had left them each a Webkinz! Eliza had a kangaroo hanging out of her stalking, and Ian a bull frog. Jimmy was happy to see the Kungfu Panda DVD. Ava loved her Leapfrog letter magnets.

Then we moved on to the tree. I had marked each of their presents with a number, but they had no idea which number was theirs. This kept them from guessing what they were getting, and dividing them up to see who had the biggest or the most (they all got the same # of presents). The most exciting thing our family got, or the "big ticket" item as my sister says, was a Nintendo Wii! The kids were thrilled, and so was I (even thought I was the one who bought and wrapped it. ;)

Later that afternoon, after digging ourselves our of a foot (or more) of snow, we headed to my parents for more Christmas fun. We hung out and ate, and chatted, and ate, and watched a movie, and ate some more. The kids had a great time playing with the local cousins, and anticipated the next day comings of the California cousins. We headed home tired and stuffed. Unfortunately the main road to our house was closed due to the snow storm and white out. We were forced to take an alternated road home, down a very steep dip. I think I would have rather the white out than the icy dip, but we made it safely, thanks to James good driving.

The next afternoon we headed back to my parents to spend some time with the Gwen and her family who flew in that morning. It's always fun to spend time with my sisters and their families.

The kids went sledding, we ate, the kids played, we ate, we exchanged gifts, and we ate. The next day was pretty much the same, minus the gift exchange. Needless to say it was a fun, and tiring, few days.

Now that my pants are feeling a bit tight from all that eating, I better start working on my New Years resolution. ;p

P.S. New Zealand posts will be coming. I'm working on sorting through all 3,000+ pictures!