Christmas 2008

We are in recovery mode today. Our house is a disaster, laundry is piled up (then again, that's probably more the norm around here), dishes need tending to, stuff needs to be put away, the driveway & walk really need to be shoveled, and yet all the kids & I want to do is lay low and just enjoy watching a movie together & resting. I wanted to come update the blog while Maggie is napping - and Jack's kinda doing some of the same on the couch.

We had such a wonderful Christmas yesterday with family on both sides. We spent the morning & first half of the afternoon with my folks and extended family. Grandma Sue & Papa Jon surprised the kids with a huge dollhouse - needless to say, the kids were super duper excited about that! Jack especially, and Maggie was most into a white, stuffed animal horse they gave her. She loves her stuffed animals & loves to snuggle and cuddle them. (All girl or what?!) :) Once the rest of the fam arrived, we had an amazing dinner my Mom put on, tables decorated to the nines, and just great time in conversations with loved ones.

As we said our goodbyes there, we headed up north to Jim & Wendy's (Grandma & Grandpa Boggs). There, the atmosphere was still buzzing with the energy that comes from a house full of little ones. Almost all of the cousins were together & having tons of fun playing chase, watching their new Cars video, opening more presents and having fun. Aunt Bev made a killer lasagna dinner for everyone and afterwards, the adults enjoyed playing a spirited game of Taboo. By the time we left, the kids were zonked, and oh, did I mention how good they were all day long? It was like, one of their best days yet--- 5 star day for sure, even amidst teething, diarrhea mishaps, all the commotion, and snowy roads.

We felt so overwhelmingly showered in love and gifts and just blessed to be together with our families. We missed having more of our family together (my sister & her crew were in CA, and my brother was "on duty" back at the base in North Carolina) -- but there is something so incredibly special about this time of year. Here are some pics from the fun yesterday. I wish I had taken more pics, and more too when we were at Jim & Wendy's. Next year, I'll make a note of more variety! :) Now, about this house that needs some attention... ;)


The dollhouse surprise


The tear away...






Maggie & her great aunt Carla (who's letting her pet their dog, Sophie)


Maggie loved this soft white, stuffed animal horse


One of our only Christmas eve pics




Lightning McQueen time. Notice Jack standing front n' center for his favorite movie?


I was so proud of her pigtails ;) haha


Jack opening his first gift on Christmas morning (here at home)


Maggie with her great Gommie, Jane (my grandma)


Grandma Sue is quite the hostess!


Papa on the tractor shoveling snow so everyone could get down the driveway


Some of the fam, relaxing by the fire