2011 Christmas

Christmas Eve

 We spent the evening with Tim's family. Traditionally we began with appetizers like shrimp, crackers and cheese, veggie tray, etc. Then we moved onto dinner, with Prime rib, potatoes, green beans, a green salad, and home made rolls (yum.) All the food was delicious. There was fun conversations around the table or should I say room. Close to finishing dinner Andrew and Courtney (Tim's niece) announced they're having a baby in July 2012 to the whole family.

Everyone standing around enjoying appetizers

Alicia, Chris, Mekenzie and Kingston

The beautiful and pregnant Courtney with her husband Andrew

There were family from all over the country that came in for the celebration... There was Tim's cousin Vernie who came down from San Diego, CA for the snow, sad to disappoint, but it was great to meet him and his wife Jen, and the kids. Jami (Tim's Niece) and her husband Braden along with Davis (Jami's brother, and Tim's nephew) came in from New York, and then there was Alicia, Chris and their kids McKenzie and Kingston whom came from San Antonio, TX.

Once we were stuff with the yummy food, we cleaned up, and gathered for the gift exchange. Another family tradition. I am so glad with the size of our family, that we draw names, and then get a gift for that person. It sure made the evening fun, but what mattered most to me was just being with family.

Cody just got some new DVDs

Cousin Vernie and Jennifer

Grandpa sitting and watching the grand kids opening presents...

That completed the evening for Tim and I. We were both tired, and I had a pretty bad headache. We just wanted to go home and relax with our kids. We enjoyed some candy cane hot cocoa, and watched Disney's Christmas Carol before falling asleep in our bed.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Baby Brother Karl

From left to right: Karl, Nate and Katy

We got to enjoy sleeping in, except I did need to get going on making Crescent Chicken Roll-ups for lunch at my Parents. I whipped them out like there was no tomorrow, and I ended up with 2 shy of 3 dozen roll-ups. Soon after finish making lunch we got ready and drove to my parents and enjoyed our lunch. I was a bit worried about Harrison eating with us, because he's a VERY picky eater, but to every ones surprise he ate 3 roll-ups. My cooking was a success, apparently though I didn't make enough... oh well. Once we finished lunch it was time for our gift exchange. Mom and Dad are always too generous and with a little present gave us adult kids and spouses cash.

All the aunts and uncles together gave Harrison and Giovanni two Nerf guns with lots of darts... and boy oh boy did their faces light up. Harrison kept shouting 'Thank You, Thank You!" That was truly a memorable moment. Tim reluctantly let me give my parents a framed picture of us we took in November. My Mom made a soft squeal before thanking us.

We stayed and talked awhile, and then left to go see his parents. One last gift to give...

I did the same thing and gave his parents a framed picture of us, and once again they couldn't be more happy to have received it. It tickles me pink to bring a smile to someones face.

From left to right: Carson, Davis, Jill, Jordan, and Taylor

Jami eating her jello

Troy, Braden, and Jami

Megan, Kim, and Jennifer

Lois and Keith Richins talking with Marian (Tim's Mom)

After all the hustle and bustle we went to Burger King for some dollar menu, and I must share this because I was laughing so hard. It was really difficult to stop laughing, but when you pulled up to the ordering box a voice came on "Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!" I turned to Tim, and said "Santa's got a second job... "

That would have put the icing on my cake, but when we got to the house and opened the door...the kids had left 3 surprises on the floor. YEAH, NOT! Tim took them outside and played ball with them while I was left to clean up the poop messes, and deodorize the house. Now I say that completed the festivities on our Christmas celebration.