Christmas Money

Each year we get cash from Mom and Dad to get what we want. Every year, we struggle to find something that we want. We have always been a couple that gets what we want when we want it if the timing is right. It makes it hard to decide what to do with our Christmas and Birthday money. Happily, this year it wasn't as hard to decide what to do. Ben was adding his money to the ukulele (he wants to learn how to play), and I wanted to get a family blanket (to take with us when we move so I always have my family with me). It took some time, but when they finally arrived, we were both very excited.

Movie

Since Gabbi was away at a sleepover, Ben and I wanted to have some fun with the boys. We went to lunch and then took them to go and see a movie. Spies in Disguise had just come out and knew that it would be one that they would enjoy. The trailers were hilarious, I wanted to see it as well.

The trailers did not do this movie justice. It was awesome. It was funny and entertaining for not just kids, but adults too. I wanted to go back and see it again and the boys felt the same way. They asked if we could watch it again this time with Gabbi. We told them that we would see and walked out to the van.

Outfits

The kids finally got to show off their Christmas clothes. We've always given them a church outfit at Christmas time, but it's getting harder and harder each year. Not sure how long this tradition can last, but until it dies, we'll do our best to keep it going. This year, I even let Gabbi pick her dress, maybe that way she'd actually wear it more often.

Christmas with Annie

Today was our last Christmas celebration. We weren't sure who would be there, but were excited, nonetheless. The plan was to party at Beth and Parker's place. When we got there a few were already there and we were waiting for a few more. While we waited for everyone to get there, the kids had no problem catching up. Sadly, they don't get to see each other as often as any of us would like, but at least they have no problems getting along and having fun whenever they are together.

Once everyone was there and ready to go, we had a prayer and then everyone dished up some dinner. We had our traditional items like ham, potatoes, and even Beth's bacon-wrapped cocktail dogs. Along with all of those we also had a variety of side dishes to go with them. The kids picked what they wanted to eat and then went and sat down at the kids' table. I was surprised that they didn't take more, but as long as they ate what they took, I didn't care.

When the kids were done, they quickly cleaned up and went back to their games. It wasn't long before they were asking about presents. They got a fun surprise to tide them over until it was time for presents. Regina had brought a few basketfuls of stuffed animals. I have no idea why she had them, but she told all the kids that they could take whatever they wanted. I looked at the kids and told them that they couldn't go crazy and could only pick one. They weren't happy with me about that, but I told them to take it or leave it. They took it and spent a lot of time finding the one that was calling their names.

Now that they had something to entertain them, we had a little bit more time to visit before they were bugging us all over again. We finally gave in and had all of them sit down at the kids' table. Grandma Annie set a Christmas bag in front of each of them and all together they ripped the bags open. They saw all sorts of goodies. Coloring books, crayons, hats, mittens, scarves, etc. 

When they were done with Grandma's gift, they got to exchange their cousin's gifts. It took a minute to hand out each gift, but once everyone had one, they started to open them. It was kind of a mad house, but there was no making them wait their individual turns. Gabbi was excited to see a robe. I couldn't believe that was what she asked for, but she quickly opened it up and put it on. Owen was practically jumping up and down when he opened a Star Wars Lego kit; another one to add to his collection. William also got a toy to add to his collection. He opened Woody from Toy Story. He excitedly yelled that he and Woody could play with Buzz. I couldn't help but laugh.

When the kids were finally done, they cleaned up all the garbage and started playing with their new toys/gifts. While they played it was time for the adults to have some fun. We sat down at the table and with the gifts that we brought for the game. When we were ready, we got a quick refresher on the rules and started rolling the dice. Depending on what we rolled, we passed gifts to the right, to the left, rolled again, stole a gift, opened the gift we had in front of us, or leave the game with the gift we had. The game lasted longer this year than last year, and we had a lot more stealing this time around. It was a lot of fun. When all was said and done, everyone seemed pretty happy with the gift that they ended with.

When all the games and excitement were over, we all pitched in to clean up. We had food, wrapping paper, chairs, and tables to put away, but with many hands, it went by rather quickly. Getting the kids to clean up their mess was a different story. They had no problem cleaning up all the wrapping paper earlier because they wanted to play, but this time you could tell they did not want to go home when they had completed the task. After some prodding, they finally got everything cleaned up, gave hugs, said goodbye, and then we all headed home.

Christmas afternoon

After a fun morning, everyone went their own ways to visit other families, and we headed home. When we got home the kids were happy to see that Santa had visited them even though we weren't home to set out the traditional plate of goodies. They quickly put their bags in their rooms and entered the front room. They patiently waited for Ben and I to come in so they could open their gifts. Ben and I drew it out just a little bit for fun, but then decided they had waited long enough and let them open their gifts.

They had plenty to open this year. Ben and I had an extra surprise for them this year. We came across some terrific deals while Black Friday shopping and, we were in a position, to be able to "spoil" our kids, so we did. I snapped a quick picture of them with their Christmas goodies and then the fun began.

I was surprised when the kids told us that they wanted us to open our gifts first. I figured they couldn't wait any longer, but I was wrong. The kids handed Ben his gift from all of us. We got him some songbooks and even a gift card to Guitar Center. They were for him to get his ukelele. Then William handed me my stocking. Inside I found a special gift from him, an ornament that he had made in class. Then he had one for both of us to open. He had made a stained-glass window art piece. He was super proud of it and couldn't wait to find a place where we could display it.

When we were done, it was time for the kids to open their gifts. First, we had them each grab their Christmas bag and place it in front of them. We then gave them the go-ahead they each ripped open the bag to find their Christmas outfit. It of course was church clothes like we have done every year. I really liked the books that we had picked out for them, and I hoped that they would too. When the boys saw that their outfits came with bowties, they both seemed very excited. To me, it was a win.

Next, they decided to grab the middle-sized gift. They really wanted to go for the big one, but we told them that that one had to be opened last. So, they grabbed the other one and placed it in front of them. When they were all ready, they started to rip off the wrapping paper. They were a little confused. When the paper was gone, they saw cereal, fruit snacks, and laundry detergent boxes. William asked if he was actually getting a box of fruit snacks to himself. Ben and I just laughed and told them to keep going. 

When they finally got the boxes open, I had tapped them pretty well, they were happy to see that they weren't actually cereal, fruit snacks, and laundry detergent. Gabbi found a giant, fluffy, pick blanket and a cute pink and teal stuffed sloth. Owen discovered a giant orange egg and when he "cracked it open" he found lots of little activities to find dinosaurs and their fossils. He also found a small Star Wars Lego set. William happily found that his box contained Buzz Lightyear. He got a fun little backpack of Toy Story and was collecting little Toy Story toys. He was really excited to be able to add Buzz to his collection. He also found a small Star Wars Lego set as well.

We then had them grab the smallest gift from their pile. They all together opened them to find their books. We have tried our best to instill in our kids a love of reading and try to make sure that they have plenty to read. Christmas is always a good time to do that, and they each found themselves with a handful of new books. Gabbi got the Cupcake series, Owen a Goosebumps set, and William 2 Reader combo books. They all had big smiles on their faces, so hopefully, they will enjoy them when they actually sit down and read them.

Finally, it was time for the big one. They all excitedly grabbed their big box and placed it on the floor in front of them. Ben tried to dredge it out and asked each of them what they thought it was. They threw out all sorts of answers and Ben told them that they were nowhere close, and he said that they should just give up and give them back. They all of course protested and begged to open them up. He smiled and they took that as their yes and started to rip off the paper. Their expressions were priceless when they saw what was inside the big boxes. Each of them got their very own large remote-controlled truck/off-road vehicle. I was worried that Gabbi wouldn't like it, but she even had a giant smile on her face when she saw what was inside.

Now all that was left was their stockings and goodies from Santa, the big man himself. They grabbed their stockings and sat down on the floor. They each very carefully started to take their items out of their stockings. With each item, their faces got huge smiles and unexpected expressions. I always feared that Santa would come out on top, and somehow, despite the small stocking he has to fill, he always brings exactly what the kids want.

Gabbi found a Christmas stuffed animal (a snowman), a flavored chocolate ball, a candy cane full of candy, and 2 lockets. She has been asking for a locket for the longest time. Santa finally fulfilled her wish. Owen also found a Christmas stuffed animal (a gingerbread man), a flavored chocolate ball, a candy cane full of candy, and a Star Wars Lego ship, which didn't surprise me when I saw his face. William also found a Christmas stuffed animal (a reindeer), a flavored chocolate ball, a candy cane full of candy, and 2 Transformer action figures. I had no idea that that's what William wanted when he asked Santa for them. I didn't even know he knew what those were. 

When the kids were all done, I took a picture of each of them with their opened gifts and then had them clean up all the garbage and take their presents to their rooms. I was surprised at how quickly they cleaned up, but at the same time, not so much. They ran off to play once everything was cleaned up and put away.

Christmas Morning

Instead of bringing all of our Christmas stuff with us to Mom and Dad's, we decided that we would have our Christmas at home when we were at Mom and Dad's. We reminded the kids that they wouldn't get anything this morning, but that it would be waiting for them when we got home. They seemed okay with that, so this morning was quiet until everyone got to Mom and Dad's. 

We started our morning off with our traditional waffle breakfast. Dad was busy making the waffles while Mom made her egg casserole.  When everything is done, we all went downstairs to eat. It was so good. I love waffles and am glad that this is one tradition that will never change. When everyone was done eating, we all pitched in to help clean up so we could go upstairs and open presents.

The kids were antsy to open something and couldn't wait to go upstairs. I completely understood considering they hadn't opened anything this morning and their cousins had been talking all morning long about what they got for Christmas. Luckily for them, Dad handed out the presents this morning starting with the boys. When it was their turn, they, like everyone else, excitedly opened their presents. It never ceases to amaze me that they are always surprised even though they are the ones that picked out what they would get from Nana and Papa. Both of the boys got Legos that ironically matched their pajamas. William got Toy Story 4 Lego sets and Owen got Star Wars sets. 

Dad had handed everyone their gifts except Gabbi. She looked a little sad, but then Papa discovered why. Her gift was around the door because it was so big. He didn't see it. When Nana pointed it out, he handed it to Gabbi, and she put a big smile on her face. I could tell that Papa felt bad that he hadn't realized that she was skipped. Gabbi was just as excited as the boys were to open her gift. She has finally moved on from Legos, unlike the boys, and asked for a bean bag for her room. This was a giant bean bag, and I was surprised that it fit in the box that it did. She wanted to pull it out of the box, but we had to stop her. If she had taken it out of its vacuum seal, it would have been very hard to get home. I could tell she was bummed and couldn't wait to go home so she could open it to its full capacity.

When everyone was done with their gifts from Nana and Papa, we moved on to the adults. Nana and Papa gave us each an envelope with some Christmas cash in it. Cindy also gave each of our families a gift bag. It was full of treats to eat, not sure what most of them were, but it was nice of her to do so. We then in turn had a group gift for Aunt Cindy, along with Nana and Papa. Then the kids got to open one more gift, the gift from their cousin. I don't remember who had who, but the kids enjoyed opening another gift. William got a Duke Caboom action figure, Owen got another Star Wars Lego set, and Gabbi got a large Unicorn Squishmallow. 

The kids were surprised with one more gift. Aunt Cindy had put together a gift bag for each of the kids. Inside each of the bags were some fun light toys to play with. There were glowing light finger clips, glasses, yo-yos, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, etc. All of the kids turned on and put on all their fun light toys and we turned off the lights. Aunt Cindy then gave them a challenge, to sing a Christmas song and add the word lights in it. They had a hard time with this, but slowly they did their best trying to sing regular Christmas songs all while adding the word light in some of the lines. Everyone was having so much fun with these simple glowing light toys.

It was such a fun afternoon and it ended with a lot of smiles and laughter. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days of the year. It's even better when it's a year we're all together (we alternate years with in-law families). This year was one of those years. It got even better when we found out that Dad had invited Grandma and Grandpa Hall and they said yes. They asked how they could help, and we told them that we had everything handled. We were just excited to have them come. 

For dinner, Mom made her Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Jenny, Jeff, and I were in charge of the sides, and we all pitched in on a smorgasbord of desserts. The house smelled so good when we got there, and we couldn't wait to sit down and eat. When everything was ready, we gathered downstairs, and Dad shared how grateful he was for his family and that we got to spend this holiday together. He then said a prayer over the food, we dished up our plates and sat down to eat. All the adults and the older kids were in the big room and the younger kids were in the master bedroom. It was better that way and a little sad. We've always squeezed into the same room, but with extra guests, we needed a little bit more room. The kids were fine with it too.

When we were done with dinner, the kids went upstairs to watch a Christmas movie while the adults pulled out some games. It's always fun when we play games with Grandma and Grandpa. They have to be reminded often how to play the game, but they have the best reactions when they have a good play.

After a few different games and rounds of the card game, crap on your neighbor, it was time for the game that everyone was waiting for...7/11. Mom and Dad pulled out a giant bag of goodies and the little bags that everyone else brought to contribute to the prize pot. With all the prizes spread across the table, we began to roll the dice, and everyone was all in. As we rolled the numbers 7 or 11, we grabbed the prizes we wanted and put them into our bags. It was a blast watching everyone play and fight for the items they wanted most. After everyone had 5 prizes, we counted how many prizes were left on the table, since there were enough for a few more, we kept rolling the dice.

When the first round was over, we cleared the leftover prizes that no one wanted and set the parameters for the stealing round. The boys pulled out of this round and let everyone else play. I was happy that everyone was okay with that. I was worried about how they would react if someone took a prize from their bag. Once the parameters were set, we started the clock and rolled the dice again. we had 5 minutes to roll the dice and steal prizes from one another. It's always hard to remember what everyone grabbed and what we might want from them. Needless to say, whenever I rolled a 7 or 11, I didn't ask for much unless something was stolen from me. 

When the games were done, we cleaned up and headed upstairs. It was time for Christmas pajamas and our Christmas story. When everyone was in the front room, Mom handed each family a bundle. In the bundle was a pair of pajamas for everyone. All at the same time, everyone ripped open their pajamas to see what they looked like. Everyone seemed super excited about theirs. After everyone was done opening them, the kids all ran to put them on. 

When everyone was ready, we got cozy in our family groups and listened to Dad read us the story. This year's story was called The Symbols of Christmas. It was a sweet story that talked about different things that symbolize Christmas. Both the story and pictures were beautiful. It was a good one to add to our collection.

Before everyone took off, we snapped a big group photo, and then everyone went their ways.