Time to Relax

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Our was fabulous. It was so much fun having all my family here. And it was not nearly as crazy crowded as I thought it would be. The kids all played wonderfully together and the adults and babies had a great time just talking and playing games. Those 3 days went by very quickly, and though it is nice to have some space in my house back, I am sad that it is over. It has been such a long time since we have all been together without some major event going on, like weddings etc, that we are all running in different directions for. We all just hung out at the house for 3 days and had such a great time. The sleeping situations worked out great, and the food was tasty and plentiful, what more could you ask for!!

Mom, Dad, Ashely and Sean got to our house around 5 Monday afternoon. David Laura and family showed up around 6:30, Blake, Breanne and Kennidi came around 7, Jeremy, Becca and boys got here about 9 and Kristi and the kids rolled in about 10. After putting all the kids to bed we stayed up late talking and playing and wrapping until about 1 am. There were so many gifts under and around the tree we had to move the coffee table to the garage just to be able to walk through the room. Every car that showed up was fully loaded. After a short nights sleep we enjoyed a fun long morning. I think it took us about 3 hours to get through the presents. Thomas did a great job at handing them out slowly while still keeping things moving along. Everyone was able to enjoy every one's surprises and thank yous. I'm sure none of us have ever opened presents Christmas morning with 20 people. David and Laura came over later when they were done at their house so they could spend the rest of the day and enjoy a yummy breakfast. Then I think we all just played, talked ate and slept throughout the day. Before Sean had to leave for the airport we exchanged family gifts. Dad and Ashley then took him to Reno so he could get home to Atlanta to work the next day. After dinner the kids got to unwrap the PJ's from granma. They are always so excited to see what material she used this year. The girls loved their pink camo, and you can't go wrong with green camo for boys either. After more playing the kids all settled down and watched movie before bed.

The next morning brought on and off snow. Jeremy and family left about 9 and everyone else took off about 1 or so. They all wanted to make it over the pass before dark. Thankfully everyone made it home safely. Laura and the kids came over just as everyone was leaving and got in their goodbyes. Then they stayed and helped finish cleaning up and playing. Laura sat me down and rubbed my feet and legs for a good 2 hours. It was wonderful!!! They were leaving as Thomas got home from work. Instead of me cooking for his birthday dinner, because he knew I really didn't feel up to cooking or cleaning it up, we went out for pizza. The kids gave him our present and we had a nice quiet dinner.

It was a wonderful 3 days and I can't say how thankful I am to have my family all come to me because I couldn't go anywhere. It was the first time any of us can remember that mom and dad haven't been at their house for Christmas morning. Mom said it didn't matter because we were all together. The presents were a bonus, the real gift was having everyone here and healthy and happy. As we all get old and have more kids it gets harder to come together as often. We will all defiantly remember this Christmas as a very special one.