After the morning festivities at our own homes, we gather at my parents on Christmas afternoon to do our gift exchange, eat cinnamon rolls and visit. I am so glad I made everyone get together for a group shot. This Christmas my sister Candace and her family and my brother Russell and his wife Caitlin did not make the trip down. It wasn't the same without them. This is the first Christmas that we all haven't been together. Well except for when the boys were gone on their missions.
Here's the "make a funny face" shot:
Some things I find amusing:
1. Most of the boys have their regular faces on.
2. Funny face for the girls means stick your tongue out....oh yeah and Brian too :)
3. Mom and Kimberly win for the funniest face.
4. I love that the scrawny dog is part of the family picture. What is his name again?...I'm so bad!
5. Ryan actually particiapated. I should have asked him to put on his "I'm happy, don't talk to me shirt."
6. I look terrible....hello roots. I was overdue for a haircut at Thanksgiving and have had 3 cancelled appointments. My brows look good though.
We then braved the freezing cold to play outside:
Couldn't catch Kade....he was FAST, but there he is in the background!
Candace sent this pretty quilt that she made for my mom. Her fabric choices are perfect.
A couple of funny stories:
1. My mom and dad don't exchange gifts. They never really have in all my memories of Christmas when we were little. Except, every year Dad waits until Christmas EVE to call in some help. He usually calls Amber the closest to him geographically, and the the one who is most on top of things. (Dad sure did try to say that I am too busy with my 4 kids, that's why he calls amber...good save dad! We all know that she's the best choice. My feelings aren't hurt.) ANyways....Dad calls Amber to ask her to call Kimberly who just got in from college and ask her to go pick something up for mom because he has a feeling that she got something for him. Any idea of what you want Dad? Maybe a sweater. Kimberly and Amber get to the store without any knowledge of mom's sizes, so I call to get the info. I used the direct approach. She didn't suspect a thing. haha! Turns out Kimberly knows that Mom did not buy Dad anything just like they promised....SO they went and bought a gift for dad from mom. Basically, the two did the shopping for both parents. Wrapped the gifts, put them under the tree, and said nothing more about it. Apparently it was a funny moment christmas morning. Such a classic Dad story!
2. Two days before Christmas I hurt myself pretty badly. I did something so stupid! It was late, Brandon was asleep on my bed, I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth and it looked like he was going to roll off the bed. I just started running Fast to get to the other side of the bed. Forgot about that table at the base of the bed and slammed right into it. It felt like I ran into a brick wall, or the equivalent of having someone hit me with a baseball bat in both thighs. Thought I might pass out...it hurt like hell! I have been hobbling around like an old woman, reminding everyone to stay away from the thighs. Really it's getting better, thankfully!
3. Steve wanted to know what my Christmas list was. I told him no worries, don't buy me anything. I've inherited my parents attitude towards gift giving. Seriously, I have a list, but the list consists of rather expensive things. Things that are not practical at the moment and would cause me to feel selfish. SO....nothing is good! Anyways, I was happy to open a sonicare toothbrush. I have been wanting one forever. Nothing says I love you like a good toothbrush. And I mean it! Later that day, I picked up the willow tree nativity for half price at Dillards. Too bad they were out of the background. Next year. All in all, it was a good Christmas!