Family Christmas Part 2 (not in the right order, sorry)

I realized that I posted these Christmas blogs in the wrong order. So, if you want the right order of our Christmas celebrations, please scroll down to Family Traditions, read that one first and then scroll back up to Family Christmas Part 2. Then you can read Family Christmas Part 3. I have worked on this darn Christmas blog for 4 days now and I think that I really have gone bonkers. Sorry!!

Our children living here in Beaumont all went to in-laws earlier in the day. Around 6 PM we had the start of our family Christmas here at our house. We had a spread put out on the table of a meat and cheese tray, chips, drinks, cheese spreads, desserts, and plenty more to eat. However, since all of the kids had already eaten at the in-laws, they were filled to the rim and now I have a refrigerator full of everything but the chips. Every one was exhausted from being at their in-laws and their own homes; so everybody was gone by 9:00. Eric and I just kind of looked at each other when the house was quiet and were amazed how our lives have changed over the years.

We waited for Emma and Hayes to get into town so we could have our family Christmas together. After what happened on Christmas Day with all the food left over, I told everyone we were having chili dogs for our family Christmas. And, that's exactly what we did. Almost everything was eaten, the meal went fast, and the kids were ready to get to opening presents (which is the best part of Christmas for grandma and grandpa). With the look on Gabi's face, you can see that Grandpa was just not moving fast enough. I am sure she was thinking, "Come on Grandpa. Hand out those gifts a little faster". You see, in our family a gift is given to someone and all have to wait for them to open it so we can see what they received. It is the best way to see the reaction and surprise on the little one's faces.

We started the evening with a little musical show. Gabi wanted to sing her song about the shepherds that she learned at her pre-school. However, when she saw everybody staring at her, her voice became a singing whisper. But, that's OK Gabi because we were able to hear you at your Christmas program at school and you were GREAT!!

Braydon came to Gabi's rescue, only Gabi
wasn't too pleased about it. Oh those boys,
Gabi, what are we going to do with them?

Here is Braydon's rendition, with a true
southern accent, of "Go Tell It on the
Mountain"

Gabi thinking "I wish Grandpa would get going
here and start handing out the gifts. He is
awfully slow this year"

Gabi and Braydon giving hugs to Grandpa
to tell him it is time to open presents


Gabi begins the present unwrapping and
she likes what's inside

Oh, yes, says Gabi I love opening presents
Gabi's really into it now that Grandpa got moving

Hayes and his excitement over getting
Lego Batman for the Wii

One of our family traditions is Hallmark ornaments. Every year since the grandchildren have been born, they have received a Hallmark ornament; and this way, someday when they are married, they will have all those ornaments to take with them. We also give an ornament to our children each year to commemorate the year. This year it was a heart ornament with the words "Forever Family held together with Love".

We weren't able to be with Kim and Rich; but the cousins always pick names for Christmas. Blake had Braydon's name and he was so excited that Blake gave him a GI Joe vehicle. It surely brought a smile to his face.
Little Maren had Hayes' name and Mr. Lego Man was excited to see a great box of Legos. Did you know that some Lego kits you can make three different vehicles. Hayes noticed that right away. I'm sure he has already put the Legos together.
Kaylin had Emma's name this year and from the video you will see how excited she was to get her zebra snuggie.

And then there was little Miss Gabi who was so excited to receive Jocie's present. And of course, grandpa had to tease her before she could open it. Eventually she got to rip the paper off and you will see the excitement on her face.

Well, you will be able to see the rest of our Christmas in the next blog. Too much to put all on one blog. Hope you have enjoyed this part of our Christmas.