Dec 24: Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's side of the family followed by church. We rotate every year between my mom and her siblings, this year was at my aunt and uncle's house in Tigard, nice and close for once! It's very low key, potluck style appetizers for dinner. The kids loved looking at my aunts musical Santa's who played the saxophone, and Audrey loved dancing with my cousin Michele. I missed a chance to talk to my cousin Eric who I love talking to when I get a chance, but off we headed to church to see Pat preach. Audrey made it about half way through the service before she headed to the nursery with Josh. I went to relieve him a little while later and Sam joined me. I wanted to make it back in time for the final song, Silent Night, where we light our candles... (turn on our candles) and gather in a circle. I tried to gather the girls to head back in when Audrey of course was screaming and didn't want to leave the toys. I managed to man handle her to get a hold of her, and then realized my hand was covered in poop. Awesome. A quick wash of me, ran back up to get the diaper bag from Josh, he came to help, and Audrey was officially in her jammies for the night. We made it for the last minute of Silent Night, and I drove home in a tank top as my sweater just smelled like poo. Audrey 1, Mom 0
Audrey was not ecstatic about the dress.
Church Nursery
Getting ready for Santa and his reindeer
Dec 25: Our truly busy day. Up at 6 to get ourselves ready, wake the kids up and do presents at our house, the girls did stockings and gifts from us and Santa. Then at 8 we were headed to Pat's house for more presents, and breakfast with her family. After a solid hour of Audrey grabbing every present she could and handing them to Matt (playing Santa), all the presents were finally opened. From there we headed to Wayne's side of the family and saw more people. More food as well. The girls each got some books from their great aunties as we took turns going up and down the stairs with Audrey. The house we were at had "reindeer" on the wall.... ummm ya... not as decoration. Sam loved them. Every time we're there I just don't stare too long. Lol. One more stop from there we headed to Kaye's side of the family get together. It was a much smaller group this year as more than half of the family was out of state this year. It was great. Very low key, 2 of my cousins and one aunt with my dad, Kaye, Josh, and the girls. The girls had fun, and yet were exhausted after having zero naps, even in the car, and ended up watching The Polar Express after dinner. Brit and Kris joined in having never seen them before. Very cute. Back home and time for bed with a car full of gifts and leftovers!
Seeing that Santa came!
Waiting patiently for her sister to come out
Presents?
Tired girl, yawning with daddy
Wow she was excited about her Duck socks!
Kiss the baby
Hugs for her little baby doll
New dinosaurs
Watching the train come
Audrey looking for more presents to give Uncle Matt
Coolest gift ever, Pat's dad's ties on pillows. All the kids and grandkids got pillows with different ties. I love ours so much!
One of the 3 reindeer, Sam liked this one since he was dressed up for Christmas
Launa playing piano
We love tissue!
Ali can do it too!
Chloe was tired
Ali's dog Charlie
Audrey taking in the Polar Express with Brit
Sam watching Polar Express with Kris
Not sure my escape would have handled it all, the backseat was folded down.
Dec 26: Easy day, my dad and Kaye came over for waffles and presents with us and the girls. My dad got the best present of the year. I may be biased, I picked out the gift, did everything, and then got to see his excitement, and it's a Duck item! Earlier this year Josh and I joined him at the Oregon, Michigan State game and they just happened to do a panorama shot while we were there. I got the print, had it matted and framed, and wrapped it all up. I was quite happy with the outcome.
New Frozen rug!
Dec 27: Time for Christmas with my mom, Tim, Jeff, & Margaux (Jeff's girlfriend) at my mom's house. Dinner and presents there, the girls once again just happy to play, and watch the train go around the tree. (Pics stolen from Margaux)
Jeff & Margaux
A real photo... Audrey on the go!
Dec 28: Last day of Christmas, phew! My dad and Kaye came back over and this time my aunt, uncle, and cousin joined in (my dad's sister and family). Low key, the girls had fun, Samantha made a new friend, dragging my cousin Tracy all over the house showing her all her toys and getting her to read her books. After everyone left I went to town putting all the Christmas decorations away. The tree still stands, but should be an easy clean up with only lights, ribbon, and some paper snowflakes on as decorations. (No pics by Sunday I was done)
Two new necklaces, one from Josh (heart) one from me! (inscribed bar)
If you're offended, sorry! A gift from Matt, I love it, lol, too true at times. It stays in our room
Yum, thanks Santa!
We hope everyone else had a great Christmas season, and want to thank everyone for all their generosity for us and of course the girls. They are spoiled beyond belief and we were reminded of that again this season with all the love shown to them. Thank you everyone!
