Merry Christmas

Christmas 2011 did not disappoint this year. We began the festivities with an evening at Dave and Vickie's. We had a buffet of delicious appetizers and finger foods. During the meal, everyone took turns saying a traditional cheers. A few years ago we began a tradition of staying overnight there even though we all live in town. Therefore, we took pictures in our Christmas gear and then got in our comfys to open presents. Our girls are very lucky! They received so many thoughtful gifts! A few of the highlights include a Leap Pad, violin, Cabbage Patch doll, TinkerBell pillow and slippers, cowgirl boots, barn, and riding toy. Kelsey's face when opening the presents was priceless. She commented a few times, "This is what I always wished for!" She got into a little funk opening presents because I think it gets a little overwhelming and it becomes more of what present is next rather than focusing on what she has already opened. Megan helped open her presents, but she was almost more interested in eating the wrapping paper than playing with the toy. Although as I type this, Megan is sitting on the floor playing with her new gifts. The remainder of the night was filled with game playing, eating more food, and watching a movie. The Ginskey cousins were good sports and let Kelsey pick the movie Barbie Perfect Christmas. Unfortunately, I ended up not feeling the greatest and went to bed much earlier than everyone else. Although even in good health, I am not sure I would have made it up to 3am with the rest. Is this a sign I am getting old? The next day we played again with all the new toys and just hung out before all heading home. We got an Xbox Kinect, so everyone came over to check it out and play. My brother and family also came down for dinner and to spend time with us. It was a very fun evening. Christmas Eve came next and we spent the day relaxing as a family. We went over to Matt's parents for dinner and later went to church with them. The mass was beautiful. Our choir does a wonderful job complete with an Oh Holy Night solo that sends shivers down your spine. We headed home to put out cookies and milk for Santa. The girls fell asleep in the car, so Mom and Dad took care of this for them. Before calling it a night, I was sure to watch the Pope. It was a tradition that my mom and her dad used to have. They would call each other at midnight to say how good the Pope looked and also comment on the Polish children at the mass when it was Pope John Paul II. Christmas morning we woke to find that Santa had been to our house! He left crumbs on the cookie plate and an empty glass where milk had been. He also left a  note for the girls saying that they had been good! He asked them to listen to mom and dad and keep being so good. One by one the girls opened their gifts. A few highlights were an activity play center, a stroller, books, a game, stuffed animals, a doll, jammies, princess shoes, rhyming cards, a backpack, binoculars, and a tent. Lucky girls!!! We played a lot that morning and afternoon. Matt's parents and Ed and Sharon came over later to hang out. We watched the Packers defeat the Bears and all was well at our house. What a wonderful way to spend the holiday. We got time with our brothers and sisters and Matt's parents. We also got time as a family of four. And the best part is, we have the week to continue to be together. Merry Christmas!!!