The kids..there were so many kids...ha, ha..
On Christmas Eve-prior to cookie mania-we went to a wonderful dinner at my sister's home. It was delicious, and I came to understand we have such different traditions, even though we grew up in the same home. We still carry some childhood memories into our own family, but it is nice to branch out on our own to make these present Christmases ours. I respect her traditions as she does mine. My older sister and family showed up Christmas Eve-after cookie mania-and was able to share in the holiday excitement of Christmas morning (4:30 AM!!).
Of course Sunday was Christmas, but also church for us. Luckily it was only an hour long for this special holiday, but I was able to bring home the special spirit from that meeting, even after the hustle and bustle of the early morning unwrapping brigade. We had a wonderful dinner with family and toasted the holiday with sparkling cider.
By Tuesday our home was empty, except for a niece that stayed to spend some time with us. Wednesday I declared a stay-at-home-in-pj's day and that's what I did-nothing!!! I was spent. On Thursday I took the kids to Parker to visit with my Mom and Dad since my Dad wasn't able to join the festivities because of work. They had a blast with Grandpa-he took them to the hills (some of my favorite memories as a kid) and they collected mounds of rocks. I helped my mother in the home and waited for my kiddos to come home. Friday came and along with it, Jason's sister and her family of 7! They rang in the new year with us, and it was so much fun having them here. The kids had their ups and downs, but overall got along great. We chatted lots, and the kids played many games. On New Year's Eve we lit some fireworks and sparklers with our sisters' and family. The kids wanted more and more sparklers, we couldn't keep up..ha, ha.
As I think of all the family that has passed through in the last few weeks, I notice that we are each an individual personality. Yet without that personality, the family would not be complete. They each bring something special to our lives, and I am truly blessed to have them share some memories with my family.
(don't ask about the formatting of pictures-the stinking pictures couldn't make up their minds.)
1 comment:
Christmas looks like it was a blast!!! :-) And very hectic! You're a saint of a woman to be able to handle a home with that many people and that many kids. :-)
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