Our Christmas

Christmas Eve started at the Henderson's where we ate a delicious dinner, as always, and the kids got their own "dinner theatre" as Emily called it...
Dinner was followed by a new surprise tradition...a pinata! Hazel was just a little excited about the idea...
It took 4 rounds of 10 kids hitting the thing 3 times each, and then Joe going to town on it, before it broke open...
but once it did, the kids loved filling their little bags with candy...
...and eating the goods!
We finished at the Henderson's with presents and new jammies, and then headed over to the Koplin's for some more yummy food, gifts and hanging with the fam. I think Miss. H like her new Dora book, but I'm not totally sure...She did, however, like her new match game and loved even more playing it with Grandma Char and dad...And was so proud of herself when she'd make a successful match!
And Drew's happiest moment? Playing one-on-one with his favorite old man, Gpa K...

Later that night, when we'd tucked the kids into bed, Tom and I watched a show and wrapped presents and I couldn't help but look around and wonder how on earth I got to this place. To the place where I am the mom staying up late wrapping presents and getting Christmas ready. I can't believe I am on the other side now. And even though times of nostalgia creep in and I remember snuggling in bed watching Frosty waiting and dreaming of Santa with my sisters, I can honestly say that being a mom on Christmas is better than any Christmas I had as a kid.

Still, though, when did I get so old?!?

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Christmas morning was probably opposite in our house than in any other house on the planet. Tom and I were the ones who woke up first and sat around waiting for the kids to get up. I was so excited to get started but not excited enough to prematurely wake up our kids and have a grumpy crew on Christmas.
Hazel finally woke up and her and I made breakfast while Tom made a fire...it felt like I was in a movie. I love having a house and a family. When Drew got up we all ate and then went to see what Santa brought...
Hazel was loving all her presents and wanted to open and play with each one as she went...
Drew feigned an interest in a few of his presents,
but once he found a sucker and the fire, that was all that mattered...
Tom surprised me with a housewives' dream gift...
A Dyson!!
And I surprised Tom with a Tom Henderson dream gift...and secretly mine too...
a Randall Lake original!!!
It was a beautiful Christmas morning. Just our little family. No rush. Totally relaxed. And full of surprises and smiles. Loved every minute of it.

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Christmas Day continued at Grandpa & Grandma Romney's house with good food and just chilling with the fam. We then headed up to my mom & Dodd's house for one of Dodd's fancy Christmas feasts and another gift exchange (man alive, I can't believe how many times I've typed "food" and "gifts". We are unbelievably spoiled. And full. :) ).
Hazel opened a grocery store that drew lots of guests. Uncle Scotty was first in line...
then my mom and Grandma Tippets.We were happy Drew could make it after his important business meeting...
Just in time to get one of the pianos my mom got each of the kids.
This was the best picture I could get of both my kids in their Christmas outfits...oh well...

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Our Christmas marathon continued the day after Christmas when we headed to Grams' house for her traditional Christmas celebration...turkey sandwiches, chips & dip, gingerbread cookies, and gifts that are all exactly the same, all opened at the exact same time (she is the most fair person on the planet...we love you Grams!!).
And Mikey had an especially good time of his own, being fed by Drew ever so romantically chewed up bits of Cheese Nips...

We love Christmas!!Hope you all had as great of one as we did!