Christmas 2011

 What are the words to describe our Christmas??  All I can think of is how much fun my kids must have.  My MIL is great about making Christmas FUN for the kids.  It must be the ideal Christmas from a kids point of view.  They have cousins on Neils side that are just their age.  The oldest is almost 8, then Justus at almost 6, middle cousin is 6 mos behind J, then Haven, followed by Reid who is almost 3.  They come from out of State and spend Christmas here.  Talk about a FUN time.

It seems like a present opening frenzy.  The kids each have so many gifts to open, the adults all have presents too.  It is Fun!  Have I said that yet?? Let me say it again, it is FUN!  The kids also get to open gifts from Aunt Erin and Uncle Jim.

On our way to Gigi and Papas.  I always go with Sbux in tow!

Gigis tree before the frenzy

Other side of Gigis tree.

And it begins!

Opening!

Haven carrying a present Gigi gave her

We all stand around in amazement - watching the fun.

Nolan really excited about his gift.

Neil with one of his

I got some too!

The kids playing...

Then after tearing open a million gifts, we eat a yummy Christmas lunch.  Afterward we are all stuffed, the kids are playing and it is nice.  But then we must go home in order to continue our Christmas celebration.

At our home, we talk about the true meaning of Christmas (really all season) but take extra time before we open presents to read the Christmas story from the Bible in Luke chapter 2.  This year our kids opened the gift boxes that our church had given out which held a small piece of fabric to remind us about the baby Jesus.

J checking out whats under our tree

J in the morning before we left for Gigis

J checking out his stocking

Haven in the morning before we left for Gigis

Haven checking out whats under our tree

Haven checking out her stocking.

Neil reading us the Christmas story before we opened presents

Then the kids opened presents from "Santa".  Of course our kids know the truth - but we still talk about Santa and the night before J and Neil put reindeer food on our lawn.  Mainly because its just fun.  But the kids know and that is what is important to me.

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Opening presents

Opening presents

Haven opening the gifts in her stocking

Justus opening the gifts in his stocking

 After opening gifts from "Santa"  there was still yet more to open.  Auntie Katie along with Uncle Jeff, Kaleigh and Ali came over to exchange gifts.

J with his present from the Jeff & Kate

Haven opening her present from Jeff & Kate

My Christmas tradition - Ive worn these socks on Christmas every  Christmas since I was a kid.

Playin

The Mendenhall & Pettit adults

The Mendhenhall and Pettit kids

We hung out and played some more!  FUN.  Merry Christmas!