Christmas 2010

We had a really good Christmas this year, different, but good! I've never been completely "in charge" of everything at Christmas (all the gifts, all the food, all the parties, etc.), but it was okay. It was hard not having my parents close by and I think they were a little homesick too, but it made me that much more grateful for my siblings.

Christmas Eve day, we spent getting ready for that night and next day. Jon made some pies and food and I frantically finished the calendars I was making. We had the Cowden's, Richard Olsen & my siblings over for dinner and fun on Christmas Eve. They are always so great to be with and the highlight is always the white elephant exchange. There were some really great ones this year, including...

This beautiful house dress my mom had left.


And this beautiful purse that Peter found at DI.



And well as this Christmas hat that moves and plays "Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer."



The Obama Chia Pet is growing a nice patch of "hair" on our kitchen counter as well!

Jack was in heaven playing the Wii with Jake, Matt & Jesse and the adults just sit and laugh and laugh. We were able to Skype with my parents and all laughed with them as well.

The kids were excited to open their Christmas pajamas that night and all went to bed so good! Jon left for work and I was so lucky to have Peter, Mike, and Becky & John sleep at the house that night. They helped get Christmas all set up! I don't know if they have any idea how much that meant to me to have them stay the night and be there for Christmas morning.

Jon got into bed about 4:00 a.m. and Peter (who can never sleep well on Christmas Eve), had the kids up and ready to go at 7:00. We opened gifts from Santa. All the kids were so happy with what they got:

Emily - I-tunes gift card, Michael's gift card, book, game
Lindsey - Nintendo DS Lite & game
Jack - Nintendo DS Lite & game
Kate - a Build-A-Bear gift card (which she asked Santa for and was soooo excited)
Hannah - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toys

We ate a yummy breakfast together and then exchanged gifts with each other. I had taken each child shopping, so they were able to give gifts to all their siblings and aunts/uncles too. Richard & Misty came over in the late morning and we all enjoyed being together. John & Becky left for his parents house and we had Christmas Day dinner. Then everyone left and the kids played and played with their new things.

I was so tired that night and would have been happy to take down all the Christmas decorations that very night (but, I was too tired!). It was a great Christmas, full of many great memories! Thank you to everyone who made it so great!

Christmas Eve pj's

(Sorry about Mike's closed eyes). He is just like my cute dad though and had the garbage bag ready for the wrapping paper. Santa made a mistake and gave Mike a pink portable DVD player. That Santa should really make sure he's ordering the right color next time!

John & Becky

Peter - with some new smurfs!