Christmases 2011

We celebrated our family Christmas this year the evening of the 22nd. We were no longer puking at our house so that was good. We went out for dinner then came home to open Christmas presents. My husband joked that is was an expensive meal since only two out of the six people ate. Our stomachs still weren't right. The kids loved having what they call fake Christmas. We all got nice things.

The family truckster got loaded up on the 23 (Friday) and we headed north to Boom's and Gee's house. Traditions were followed. Cookies got decorated followed by (most of the) grandkids in the "round and round" tub.

Christmas eve was spent hanging out, watching football, going to mass, coming home to chat, having a wonderful prime rib dinner along with other fantastic food then cleaning up the mess before opening presents. And, oh boy did presents get opened. Christmas is so much fun with little kids. They truly make it magical.

Santa found us in Nebraska. I believe everybody was thrilled with what Santa brought them. Isaac even got his bowling alley. Ask and you shall receive, I guess. Santa is quite a guy.

On Christmas day we went to my parents house. My mom had her extended family over for dinner. It's so nice getting to spend Christmas with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandma. It's great that we are able to still do this.

All the cousins, their kids, and Grandma Porter

After everybody left we decided it was as good as time as any to have Christmas with my parents, siblings and their families. The kids were thrilled with the decision to open presents at night rather than waiting another day to do so. Christmas dinner was on the 26th before everybody had to get back for work the next day. Another wonderful prime rib dinner. We are spoiled!

The rest of our time in Nebraska was spent chatting and catching up. The kids played wonderfully and loved the fact that Nebraska had snow so Papa could pull them on the sled behind the golf cart. Red-neck sledding? All that matters is the kids loved it.

You know we live in a climate that has little snow when my kids were excited to see all the snow on the ground. (Yes, there's hardly any snow.)

Merry Christmas and thank you all for making it memorable one!