Merry Christmas!

Whew did we have an exciting couple of days celebrating Christmas! And we are all tired from it and need some R&R big time! It started on Saturday when we went to JR's dad and step-mom's to exchange gifts there. We had to do it so early because that was when JR's little sister Katy was going to be there.

Then on Monday afternoon we went over to JR's mom and step-dad's house for gifts and a late lunch/early dinner with them. Emma wasn't really interested in opening gifts, she was having alot more fun running around the house and running down the hallway. Kayla and Eli made out with some pretty cool gifts! I made the mistake of telling my mother-in-law to get Eli moon shoes.....little did I know exactly what those things are......they are basically platforms suspended by gigantic rubber bands. Strange and a little dangerous looking but I am sure Eli will have a ball with them! Kayla has found Aeropostale to be her new favorite store and she got a couple of gift cards for that store so we will be shopping soon!

Christmas morning is always done at home with just us so we get some family time to ourselves for a while and it also gives the kids a chance to enjoy some of their gifts here at home. There were lots of ohhs and ahhs and Emma losing interest again but the kids did have a great time. Then later in the afternoon it was off to my mom's house for some more presents and dinner. One of Kayla's presents was a cell phone and we decided to hold off all day long on giving it to her. After dinner and everyone settling down a little bit we called everyone back in to my mom's living room and had Kayla stand in front of JR as he presented her with her phone. (sorry I was so focused on getting it on tape that I forgot to take a snapshot to share) Her reaction was awesome! She was pretty convinced that she was never going to get one in her life but as she looked back on certain conversations and comments we have made it all kind of came together for her. And her reaction was well worth the wait too! After all that JR and Eli went home because they were tired and had things to play with at home and my brother Carl, Kayla, Emma and I all went to my dad's house for a short time. Oh and as I was walking JR to the car I notice there is a huge wrapped gift sitting on my mom's driveway. It took my brain a few minutes to process that it wasn't there when I got there and that it was wrapped so it wasn't their trash can or something weird like that. Turns out it was a gift for me from JR - it was my washing machine to go with my dryer! That was supposed to be a tax return purchase but my loving husband decided to do it early! And I think it was just in time because I had washed a load of towels that morning and there were still soap suds at the bottom of the machine after the load finished!

It was a long couple of days but lots of fun and great to spend time with family. It was nice seeing my brother since he moved to Oregon just over a year ago we don't get to see him very often. The only people missing were my step-brother and his family from Alaska.

Before the madness......

Emma opening her first gift

Eli's toolbox loaded with tools....which were used several times today

Kayla and her Aeropostale sweatshirt

Even the animals get presents in our house.....just look at that concentration on his new Kong toy!

Emma's comment when opening this......"oh cool!" - you think she pays any attention to her siblings?!

Kayla and her beloved Chris Brown CD

Eli and his new bike from Nana and Grandpa

So as I was looking for pictures to put on the blog I realized that I got the reactions on video for all the really good presents. One day I will share with you once I figure out how to do it!