After spending Christmas Eve Day at my aunt's house, we returned home for Christmas Eve with Grammy and Papa in tow. They have been at our house on Christmas Eve every year since my Favorite Boy was one because they lived far away and had to stay at our house during Christmas. Even though they are back in Tennessee, we decided they should spend the night anyway, so we opened presents with them on Christmas Eve, and they stayed until lunch on Christmas Day.

I now realize that I did a horrible job taking pictures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I have a few of the kids opening presents, but none of them with us or their grandparents. I also have no pictures of my Best Girl spreading reindeer food in the front yard or of us leaving milk and cookies for Santa. I will do better next year!

My Best Girl was thrilled with some new games and accessories for her DS, as well as lots of arts and craft projects. My Favorite Boy is always excited about new video games, but he also enjoyed opening some clothes this year. My husband says that's a sure sign he's getting older! Of course, all the clothing items were Under Armour or North Face, so I'd guess those items would make many eight-year-old boys happy. Thanks to Grammy, Papa, Uncle R, Aunt R, and Santa for showering them with so many wonderful gifts! (My brother and his family celebrated at home in New Mexico this year, but we are already excited that they will be coming around the holidays next year!)

We spent most of Christmas Day being lazy, which was wonderful! Even though my husband's family came for dinner, we had done most of the work ahead of time, so we were able to enjoy spending time together. In the past, we have always gone to my aunt's for lunch, so we usually have to rush out soon after opening presents.

Around 4:30, my husband's family began to arrive. Even though we were missing seven family members, we still had a full house with 33! Since my husband's grandmother is 90, every Christmas with her is special, and we enjoyed the evening. This year, Uncle D interviewed Granny and made a DVD about her life. We all watched it together, and we all got a copy to keep. Unfortunately, this family event didn't last long enough. The roads started getting icy, so everyone packed up to leave about 7:30. Although the evening was short, we were thankful to see everyone (and eat all the yummy food). It was a wonderful Christmas Day!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy