Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Good times, family, and fulfillment watching the last two days through the kids' eyes.  My sister and Brad hosted Christmas eve.  This year, we had my two step brothers, Keith and Andy, and Keith's girlfriend, and Andy's wife Chandra.  In addition to our normal family clan, Brad also invited a new employee from his work that just moved here from California.  He's a data guy from the Seattle School District as well so I got to talk "shop" for just a bit with him.  In our usual gifting, we had our annual $15 gift exchange game.  Julianne was the most excited as she got a night light that attaches to a book when reading.  Annalyse ended up with a Nutracker M&M candy dispenser (just what Diabetes calls for), and Jackson ended up with Yahtzee which he traded for twice.  After getting the kids to bed and finishing up unfinished ends (like Joe starting to wrap) we got a good night's sleep until 8:00 a.m.!!!  Santa had definitely stopped at our house (thanks to many Craigslist finds) and once everyone was done opening their stockings and gifts, we relaxed (even napped) and then had a late and relaxing eve with my dad, step-mom, my two sisters, Brad and G.G.  G.G.'s new house is wonderful for her.  Barb (my step-mom) and Leah, my other sister, had it well decorated and FULL of good food and treats.  The kids opened a few packages and then challenged my dad to a game of Mario Kart on the Wii.  Jules ended up playing for my dad, just like she does for me.  I have very little interest......they have TONS of interest.  Each of the kids read to GG, Jackson made his Aunt Leah's Santa smoothie, and many of us had fun playing a good old game of Yahtzee (though a much abbreviated version!).  Today, was very leisurely.  After changing out of our jammies around noon, my mom and I headed downtown Edmonds to check out the sales.  Not much but it was very enjoyable to spend time just walking around, drinking a latte and chatting with my  mom.  While I was out and about, Joe graciously played with the kids (ok, refereed) while they played, then went on a long walk, ending up at the park at the end of our street for some good old ball kicking.  It's been so beautiful out that it's hard not to be outside even though it is cold.  The day ended with some much needed clearning (still a lot more to do) and packing for our trip to Silver Mountain which we have decided not to leave until Monday very early.   It's always fun to see what each of the kids' wants to pack!  Joe just finished popcorn and he's off to watch some sci-fi movie and I'm off to watch the Hangover.  :)  Good times a bit more for today...... M