Christmas Happenings

Well, we're back from Christmas "vacation" without the kids. First we went to my sweet mother-in-laws house and spent some time with her adorable foster children. It is never boring there. She has 3 teenage boys and 2 little girls, 3 and 6. I had taken all of their pictures at Thanksgiving and was able to bring the prints at Chritsmas. They turned out really well:



So we stayed six days with Chuck's mom and family. During that time we did some shopping, played video games, broke up fights among the little kids, held Gracie almost non-stop (she decided to be a Momma's girl this week and demanded to be held). When I could break free from Gracie we did some baking on Christmas Eve and helped the kids decorate gingerbread cookies. Christmas morning we let the kids open their presents and that evening when Chucks brothers showed up with their families we opened even more gifts. Unfortunately, Jonathan's sleeping pattterns got so out of whack that he was an absolute terror that night - a real brat when it was time to open presents. And Gracie was sleepy too. Poor thing - she is so snotty lately that she cant sleep!




For Christmas I took pictures of all of the grandchildren for my mother-in-law, at the request of the sister in laws. We presented these to her Christmas night:


She seemed very happy with them. The next morning I rearranged all of the pictures on her wall - something she just never has the time to do - go figure! Then, we were off to Oklahoma for Christmas with my family.
My sister Tina had Christmas at her place this year. She had it decorated so beautifully! And she prepared the dinner and had it set out so neatly. She is starting a small catering business - so it was so professional. Santa (Uncle Dan) also showed up and gave the small kids gifts - it was wonderful.






We spent Saturday with my folks (my sister left for Hawaii that morning!). Then this morning we got up and left the kids behind for an exciting week with Granny and PawPaw - the babysitter has this week off and we both have to work, so they were kind enough to offer their time and home to our poor children! Next Christmas I will be sure to coordinate with the babysitter before putting in for leave (which by the way has to be done in August!)
So now we are home and setting up Guitar Hero - we splurged on the way home after having played it all Christmas at each relative's house (besides my parents). Sorry, George's father-in-law, but we returned the Tony Hawk game that you got Chuck to put towards the Guitar Hero.
Other things on the agenda for the week: Read a book at Barnes and Noble while drinking a Mocha - I saw a friend post that as one of her favorite things to do sometime back and have soooo wanted to try it, and now have the opportunity - I know, big whoop - but when you have two small kids its such a treat! Also, I plan to scrapbook - I can spread everything out on the dining room table without concern that Gracie will eat it. I'm going to clean and organize - sure...we'll see what happens.


Hope you had a merry Christmas!