Christmas 2008

The whole family finally made it home!!! This is the first time in two years we have all been together. As per tradition, we all have to wear our new pajamas on Christmas morning. Most enjoy the tradition, but others do not!

It was a fun day with lots of food. Some wanted traditional Christmas dinner (ham, turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, etc.) and other wanted the traditional Mexican Christmas dinner (tamales, enchiladas, beans, etc.) so since it had been two years, we made it all!! We have enough food to feed us for two weeks.

We spent our afternoon indulging Mom by having family pictures taken. In 23 years we have never had a family portrait done. Unfortunately, the only day everyone was going to be home during the day was Christmas. I thought it was doomed, but thanks to Carrie she saved the day. Her sister is a semi-pro photographer and agreed to spend some of her Christmas day taking pictures. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

This year we put up two trees (tree #1 above) and tree #2 with all the ornaments from preschool, elementary school, and purchased through the years. This is my personal favorite. Tree #1 usually has the train set and the village set up around it, but this year it never got done. You know what, no one missed it. Maybe if things aren't so crazy before the holidays it will get done next year.

Everyone received what they wanted from Santa and then some. Andrew is all set with new clothes and new school supplies for college. Brian enjoyed the 70% sale at Mervyn's and lots of new plays to read, Stephanie got lots of movies and a video camera to make her own movies, Mom will be pampered nicely with her gift certificates, Dad will save his back with his new rolling suit-bag, and the dogs got lots of dog treats too.

It was a great day full of laughter, food, presents, and love. Merry Christmas!!