Christmas: Times Four, Part 1

After Colin's dr's appointment on Christmas Eve morning, we piled in the ole' car and headed the the Great North for our many Christmas engagements. The kids were so tired that they slept really well in the car, and since she was sitting up, Gillian didn't cough the entire time. It was tempting to let her sleep in her car seat at night after that!

We traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve at Grandma RoRo and Grandpa Greg's house. This year Uncle Willis made yummy mushroom risotto and Uncle Stevie grilled up some yummy flank steaks. Gillian really enjoyed the risotto! I couldn't spoon it in fast enough!

After dinner Grandma RoRo, Michael, and I took the kiddos to Christmas Eve service at the Beechwoods Church. We kind of dashed out the door, so there aren't any pictures of them looking totally cute, but trust me, they did. They were pretty good at church, but Colin needed Grandpa Frank and Daddy to take turns taking him to the back of the church. He just wanted to explore and move too much for the pew. Gillian stayed in pew, but had to pass toys and whatnot back and forth with Cousin Sarah and Jacob. After church, we went back to Grandma RoRo's and quickly put the kids to bed (only an hour later than usual). Then Grandma, Grandpa, Steven, Emily, Willis, Michael and I exchanged presents.

On Christmas morning the kiddos were up and at 'em at the usual 7:00, although they had slept very well! After breakfast, we directed them to the present pile from Grandma and Grandpa. There was one very BIG box, and it was more fun to climb on than to unwrap!

Inside was a very cool basketball hoop!

They were really getting the hang of it by now:

(Colin is wearing a Halloween shirt because I forgot our nighttime diapers and he kept soaking through his pajamas. This was all that was available!)

We were all headed to Great-Grandma Smith's for Christmas lunch that day. Unfortunately, Colin did not nap well that morning and lunch was running a little late. (Let's just say that Mommy and Colin were NOT in the best of moods and leave it at that. It was not our finest hour) Anyway, lunch was finally ready and served, then it was on to more presents. This side of my family is so big that we exchange names from Great-grandparents down to the youngest cousin (excluding great-grandchildren), so everyone gets one or two gifts but no one breaks the bank. We all crowd in the living room and open one at a time. Usually it works pretty well, but it was a little much this year for some reason. Anyway, Michael snapped some cute shots during present time.

Grandpa Greg and Gillie checking out the new Jack in a Box from Great-Grandma (it's actually NOT scary):


Colin looking handsome in his snowman shirt:


Gillian showing off a new favorite toy, a mug. She really likes them for some reason. She is wearing the dress that I wore for my second Christmas. She looked pretty darn cute in it. I need to find a picture of me in it to scan for on here....


Pretty soon after those pictures the kids had HAD IT. Daddy took them to our temporary home for a nap, and I had some pie. After the afternoon nap, we headed into Dickiedoo and Noonie's for Christmas supper. By this time Michael and I were worn out, and had decided that next year we would be serving pizza buffet at our house for any and all who would travel to see us. But, the kids did well at my Dad's; they ate well and were quite charming for their grandparents and great-grandparents Bish. However, we were so tired that no pictures were taken. We will try harder next time!!

Part Two to follow with Christmas #4.