Christmas at the Hales (round 1)

For the past few years, we've had Christmas celebrations with Kevin's family the weekend before Christmas. It really helps that the kids aren't so overwhelmed within a couple days right at Christmas. And, it gives us more time to enjoy visiting as opposed to worrying about being on time for the next location.

It was so much fun watching all the kids (Beth- 5, Jacob- 2, Gracie- 6, Emily- 3) open their gifts. I remember many Christmases getting exactly the same thing as my cousin since we were about a year apart. It's neat to watch Beth and Gracie be exicted about the same gifts, too. Then, having Jacob and all his boy toys is fun among all the pink.
Beth and Jacob have really enjoyed their "pillow pets" (all the kids got one). Pet Pals is Beth's new favorite Leapster game, and the closest she'll come to a real pet for a little while (I have to train Jacob before I worry about training a dog). She is also really enjoying the new rooms for her dollhouse. I think she has them all now- I had to get a bigger storage tub.

Jacob was so excited about all his toys. He especially loved his scooter. That was what he wanted us to open. For the evening, I held him off with Thomas the Train blocks and Little People firetruck and ambulance. Now that all the toys are put away at home, everyday is like a new discovery of the toys again. What fun!

Don't worry, it's not all about the kids. Grandma and Grandpa got to open their own stacks of gifts. Then, everyone got stockings (that's where the good stuff is for Mommy and Daddy!)

Also in those stockings were "whistles" (yes, I know they're really recorders) for all the kids. They had SO much fun! We decided they were best to be played with in the sunroom, with the door closed. You know, so we could get all the wrapping paper trash cleaned up. Yea, that's it.

As always, we eat too much and go for seconds, then head for the dessert. So, a walk to look at lights is in order. Once again, Grandpa was awarded 1st place for his decorations. They're so fun to look at. One year they won, it was because of Grandma's inside decorations that could be seen through the big picture window. These people LOVE Christmas, and it shows! I think I fit into the family nicely because of that.

Staying the night gave the kids a chance to try out their new roller skates and scooter. It was so much fun! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great Christmas celebration weekend!