Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Over Way Too Fast

Christmas has come and gone in a flash - again. Only this year it went even faster. My brother and Hien are usually here for a few days before and until the day after Christmas and they typically do most of the cooking for Christmas dinner. This year they came for a couple days, but left on the 23rd because they have a new puppy and she is still very needy and hyper, so they decided to have a (semi)quiet Christmas at home by themselves, rather than chase her around the house all day among the 27 other guests in our home on Christmas. So, Cindy and I were on our own and, while everything went off without a hitch - almost - I got to spend a lot less time with our guests than I would have liked, even with all the help plating, serving and cleaning we got from a couple of WONDERFUL women. Thanks Ladies!
Overall, an amazing day, as always.
Olivia finally gets Christmas and she really made out this year; a couple games, some crafts, beads, markers, coloring books, crayons, paints, more glue and pom poms, toys, clothes, a camera, a computer a scooter, annual Collector's Edition Barbie, etc, etc.
Her favorite things: annual snowglobe, underwear with stars on them and a 5 pack of lip gloss.
My favorite: contribution to her college fund.
I think my favorite thing about Olivia and Christmas this year was the sheer pleasure she derived from giving rather than receiving. Makes me proud.
Emma and Jake are completely clueless and I intend to take advantage of that for the next 2 years, but I think they had a blast anyway.
We made cookies on Christmas Eve to leave for Santa, then went to Christmas Eve service, during which Olivia made an appearance as a Traveler and an Angel in the Christmas pageant.
We left the cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Lo and behold when she woke Christmas morning and ran to the fireplace where we left them, they were gone and she screamed and woke the whole house. FUN!

It only gets better form here.

OG got a dress from my brother and just HAD to put it on immediately. Then they popped bubble wrap together.

My angel at the Christmas Pageant.

Santa did come - and he ate all his cookies.

OG (the lion) and her cousin Alex (the princess - and yes, he's a boy) couldn't wait to get out of their Christmas clothes.

OG was a good big sister - teaching Emma and Jake how to use the toy she gave them.

We FINALLY got a pic of ourselves on Christmas - this never happens.
And me and my girl - this really never happens.

OG thought it would be fun to go in Annabelle's crate (my brother's new puppy).

OG's gift to Emma.

9 comments:

Denise said...

What great pictures.

hotomiky said...

Wow! Sounds like you all had a great time! kids look beautiful!

You both look great!

Kim aka Mommy said...

Wonderful pics!

K J and the kids said...

27 people sounds REALLY overwhelming. and then I remember it's all served and catered and then I think...WHAT...you had to just show up :) right ?
You guys look SUPER skinny.
The kids are as always DARLING !

I LOVE bubble wrap.

Babykins said...

Wonderful pics, everyone looks great. My kids love Elefun.

beans said...

Here's some virtual bubble wrap for evreyone . . .

http://www.virtual-bubblewrap.com/popnow.shtml

Great pics-thanks for sharing!!

Tammy said...

Looks like you had lots of fun with everyone. I can't wait to see you guys on Sunday. I love your skinny neck and collarbone!

Unknown said...

Love the pictures.. You both look great, and skinny!

Holly said...

Whew- I'm just catching up on everyone's holidays. It looks like you had a wonderful family Christmas! I love the pictures, especially you two in front of the tree!
Hope the new year's was just as perfect!