Christmas 2008

Our first Christmas away from home......lets just say.....it was picture perfect!! Don't get me wrong, we did miss everyone, (all the family, and all the craziness) but it was actually kinda nice to have a low key, relaxing, quiet Christmas! We weren't rushing to get places, or trying to keep a clean house and entertain, we were just able to relax and enjoy each others presence and contemplate why we celebrate this special day. Everyone was happy and everyone got along. (I don't recall a lot of tears, so that was huge!! :) ) Here is some snapshots of our Christmas!

The kids always get new pj's to open on Christmas Eve. This year, I thought John needed some too. (I just couldn't pass up. It actually didn't come with a cape, John added his own accessories) :)

Christmas morning was great! Joey came in our room at 5:30 and said he couldn't sleep anymore, somehow he was able to go back downstairs and wait for his brothers to wake up. What a nice boy. Especially because some particular elf's got to bed really late. :) Finally at 7:30 we all got up and got to our presents.

I think everyone got exactly what they asked Santa for!

Joey got a Nintendo DS, and was super excited.

Adam got Transformers the Video game for Wii. He enjoyed lounging around all morning.

Jacob, the sweet kid that he is, said that Santa could bring him whatever and surprise him. Santa brought a Leapster 2 (start wars series). He seemed happy with it, and has been having a blast playing it.

Bekah got her princess horse complete with a carriage. She spotted the toy in a JC Penny's catalog and carried it around for days.

Luke got a ton of fun presents. Santa brought a little basketball hoop that cheers with each basket. Uncle Dave and Jennifer gave him this cute Zebra bouncing toy. He loves it!!

Other fun gifts.....Games (lots of games...board games and video games) Guitar Hero...complete with four guitars, (there should be no fighting), and Uncle Dave and Jennifer gave us an awesome family activity center. (There's 11 games you can play on it, including air hockey, table tennis, table soccer, even checkers and tic tack toe.) Thank you everyone for the fun presents!! You are all so thoughtful!!


Christmas Dinner

My first attempt at a nice Christmas dinner without any help. The turkey turned out great, the rolls were perfect, the potatoes were so creamy, (and no, Mary didn't mash them) :) the strawberry jello salad was delicious, and to complete it Sparkling Cider....How come your meals turn out perfect when you don't have the company!! Murphy's Law I guess!!

We had the perfect Feast!!