Once we got to the living room everyone choose a spot and spread out their blanket. That is the only time in life I don’t LOVE my hardwood flooring; when we have to sit on it when the weather is cold. But the kids love this yearly tradition of find “their spot”. Keri helped Dad hand out the presents. Another tradition, the youngest gets to help dad….does that mean it’s going to be Keri’s job for the rest of our lives? We’ll have to rethink this one!!
We had such a wonderful time opening gifts. The kids don’t get big or expensive things, they got what they’ve asked for. Fortunately for us, our kids have simple needs and we appreciate that. The kids were all ecstatic with the presents they got and felt like the most important kid in the world. What a GREAT feeling in the home; each person feeling completely loved and spoiled.
After present opening we did our traditional neighbor get together. Each year we go over and say Merry Christmas, see what they got, give them our presents and just enjoy the low key attitude we all seem to have that day. Then they come to our house and do the same. It’s a good hour of visiting and then we go back to our own houses and commence to do NOTHING!!
The rest of the day was spent doing all the things we just got. Jaime listened do her new CD, Alix read a ton, Milo and Scott put together Milo’s first model with his Erector set, Niah and Afton played Barbie and Polly, and Keri played with Mr and Mrs potato head while alternating sneaking candy canes and sugar cereal!! My sister enjoyed watching the kids and napping while I played games (we got 5 new ones! Whoot!!) and just vegged. It was SOOOOO nice.
In the afternoon I threw a ham in the oven and Scott and Sara and the kids made the rest of the meal; mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and sweet potatoes.
It really was a good day. It was filled with fun times, happy hearts and the presence of the spirit. How grateful I am during this time of year. I reflect on the the friends I have, the one’s I’ve lost contact with and those I have yet to meet and just feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for being so mindful of me. It’s those numberless angels we have in our lives, our friends and family, that are the greatest blessings. I just couldn’t imagine living this life alone. Thank you!!
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful Christmas!