Christmas

This year was a bit different than other years.  Because last year was so hectic traveling to both grandparents in 3 days, we decided to split up the holidays.  We spent 4 days over Christmas with Derek's family and we will spend 4 days over New Year's with my family. 

We woke up on Friday morning and had our own little family Christmas celebration.  We made cinnamon rolls and bacon (Derek and I have named 2011 "the year of bacon" because we discovered our love of the yummy breakfast meat).  We opened presents from each other and Santa.  Derek surprised me with a new DSLR camera that I've been wanting!  Now I need to figure out how to work the thing, but I am so excited to start a new hobby.  We didn't overdo it with presents for the kids this year.  Both kids got a book, pajamas, one toy, and one thing they needed.  I am glad we did this, and I hope we can continue this tradition as they get older. 

That afternoon, we headed to Derek's parent's house.  We spent Christmas Eve at Derek's grandparent's house.  Punky, Buddy and I sat in the kitchen and no one noticed that we didn't eat any lutefisk.  It was a late night, but both kids did a good job staying up way passed their bedtimes.  Buddy was a whirlwind during the gift opening.  Once he figured out how to open presents, he didn't want to stop tearing the wrapping paper.

 

Reading a story with Great-Great Grandma Irene

Sitting on Great Uncle Randy's lap.  We usually draw names for the gift opening, but Punky INSISTED on getting "Rrraaandy"a Christmas present while out shopping with Derek.  She was so excited to give it to him!

On Christmas Day, the kids actually slept in (Buddy and I woke up at 9:15).  So late, in fact, that we missed church.  We ate our traditional breakfast (turnovers) and opened presents again.  Punky and Buddy were spoiled very well.  We spent the rest of the day in our pjs. 

It was a great weekend and a fun time spent at Grandma and Grandpa's.  We are now trying to unpack, organize the house and recuperate all while preparing for another fun Christmas celebration this weekend!