Christmas 2009

I finally have the pictures from Christmas somewhat organized and so this is going to be a pretty heavy picture post for your enjoyment.

This years Christmas Eve gathering was a testament to the kids age -there was no rushing or frantic unwrapping. The gifts were handed out, one at a time, by the boys and we waited (for the most part) until that gift was unwrapped before the next was given. There was some advance handing -but the unwrapping waited until the person before them had finished. It was really nice and relaxing -which isn't how Christmas eve has always been. I forgot my camera -so these pictures were taken with my moms new camera -and neither of us had yet read the instructions -so they aren't the best ever, but they do contain great memories and I am glad we have them, spots and all.

So, here's how our Christmas Eve at my parents works... we all get there in the mid-late afternoon. Time usually depends on whether Jonathan or Brian is working and what time they are sent home early. This year, we arrived about 2:30 after making a stop along the way for bread.

We gather, chat and play games. I participated in a lively game of The Christmas Game and also played Scrabble with my mom & Ciera. There were other games and movies on tv. We had dinner around 6 (I think so anyway -I don't wear a watch so I can't be sure). Dinner was fabulous -lasagna, sausage (mild & spicy), french bread and salad. After dinner we do clean-up, move the table of of the front room and the dishes get washed, food put away. Once that is done, we put the kettle on for coffee/tea and while waiting for it to boil -I gather the children to take the yearly cousin shot by the tree. My mom likes to have this picture and at a young age we made it a requirement before we start opening presents. I have to say -this was the hardest year to get a good picture! Ciera and Steven were totally cooperative, but the younger two made it take what seems like forever (and 13 takes).

In the end, we got this picture, which I think represents their personalities and attitudes quite accurately.


While trying to get Jack to cooperate, I got this lucky shot of Ciera and Logan -love it! She was trying to pose "on top of his head" and he was flinching away (notice the forward lean of his body).




I like to get a quick family shot too -just for memories... just know I was wearing 2.5 inch heels in this picture.



Here is a shot of Brian's family too.

Then we opened presents... here is Jackson opening his new Converse shoes from G*ma and Papa with Logan looking on. I love that the two of them are still so close and they really paid attention to one another as they opened their gifts this year.



I don't really know what was happening
here -but I love that I captured the
interaction between Logan and
his uncle.



Logan got his first Titans jersey from G*ma & Papa ... like father like son? Since my brother is often seen sporting this jersey, it was so neat to see Logan following in his footsteps so to speak. In fact, that night at dinner it was explained to us that this is the most expensive and therefore nicest shirt Brian owns -so it is the one he wears to dress up.


The view on the other side of the room from me.. this is how we always sit I think.. my dad on the stairs, mom by the step, kids near them and everyone else scattered around the room. I like that some things never change, routine is comforting for me.



Jackson loves sock monkeys. He has for a long time. This is a sock monkey bookmark from Barnes & Noble my mom got him -how cool is that?

I love this pose Steven had while opening his gift.. so relaxed and mellow, just kicking back -that is so him!





So there you have our Christmas Eve in pictures... it was a great year!