Family Christmas Craziness

The past couple days we spent with my family. It started Friday night with my mom coming down to help out while we prepped the meals (an Italian fest of ravioli, spaghetti, manicotti and lasagna). Everyone was supposed to come over on Saturday at noon, but my dad had a bout with a couple of kidney stones, and mom had to go home to 'baby' him.

Everyone else arrived safely Saturday though Kelly brought way too much dessert and Kerri/Bret had to stop at a gas station on the way to clean-up Keagan's car sickness surprise. Needless to say, we didn't start out exactly as planned, but once the last car arrived... it was lots of fun.

First we chowed on David's excellent food, then we played a board game until Zach & Heather arrived. Once they arrived we started in on the presents. Jack and Ella were soooo excited. They immediately started climbing the mound as soon as they saw it. I think they were so thrilled with all the activity, they weren't sure what else to do.

Once we finished the presents, calmed all the kids down a bit, put babies to bed, and cleaned-up the kitchen, it was off to the basement for Guitar Hero. I'm not much of a singer, but I did my part to help "the band". It was a blast. We ended-up playing until about 1:30am. I was exhausted. We found beds/floors for everyone (10 adults & 7 children) and ventured off to dreamland. Well, at least until Jack and Ella woke-up at 6:45am.

David made everyone breakfast and then mom surprised us with a visit (she left dad in Grandma's capable hands). She came down so that she could give everyone their presents.

We then said goodbye to mom, Zach & Heather, and Kerri & the kids. Kelly, Jack, Ella, and I all took a nap as everyone else went to the basement to play another round of Guitar Hero. Tristan, Jessica & Aydan left around 2:30 then Joe, Kelly, Chey, and Bret left around 4pm.

David and I are exhausted, but very pleased with how everything turned out... We had a great Christmas; Jack and Ella's first. I can't wait until next year (hopefully Dad can enjoy the pictures since I know he hated missing the big event...)

Uncle Bret and Cousin Kaine signifying the first Christmas for J and E


As he noticed from Jack's outfit


The 'fam'


Jack's new favorite toy (a present from Great Grandma Joy)



Jack, Aydan and Ella playing


A rough morning for Tristan and Jessica


posted by Kristy