We're the lucky ones. Christmas seems to never end at our house. With so much of Ryan's family in the area, we get to open presents FIVE times! Here's our final Christmas celebration, until next year...
Thanks Papa Michael, Debra, & Lucille for a great day!
We had a delicious turkey dinner at the Pinney house made by Nancy. Thanks Nancy! Ashley made a delicious paper bag apple pie and we had more peppermint cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. We also opened more great presents. Here are the kids opening their fabulous gifts from Aunt Ashley...
Poor Conner, woke up with a fever (we actually had to wake him up), but he stayed in good spirits regardless.
I was nervous getting Braden scriptures, I was worried he would think it was lame. But he was excited, and said, "Wow, scriptures, finally I got something I really needed!"
Steak and eggs for breakfast, thanks to Ryan's cow.
Ever since we've moved to Sacramento, we've been part of the annual tradition to have Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma Ginny's and Grandpa Dave's. The funnest part is the gift exchange. We draw numbers, choose presents, steal presents, and usually end up with something great! This year, we got the best present ever - a Smore's Maker! This makes up for the firepit we haven't been able to install in our backyard. :o) And of course, the only picture of the night was of Luke. :o)
Tackling Dad before bed...
I've always loved and coveted other family's tradition of Christmas Eve pajamas, but I've never done it. Not until this year anyway, thanks to Old Navy clearance racks! I really wanted to get some for myself, but the women's pj's were CLEARED OUT! I had a very special glee in getting the boys all matching pj's, especially since this might possibly be the last year RJ will ever willingly participate, he's getting so old and cool...
Of course, I had to stay up late wrapping all the presents, because Conner would have ripped open any presents if I had done it in advance....
We're ready!
Conner loves to hide. He does it A LOT at bedtime. Sometimes it's funny and sometimes I start to panic, because I can't find him ANYWHERE and he won't answer when I call his name. I have to make sure all the doors to outside are still locked to assure myself he isn't running through the neighborhood lost. He likes to hide in Sienna's closet. A new favorite is behind the Christmas tree where all you can see is his little feet. This time was a funny time. He climbed into this box, wouldn't answer when we called his name, but he must not like having the lid all the way closed, and I guess he thinks we can't see him...
We had a delicious family dinner for R.J. on Sunday. He chose taco night, and it was great. We had peppermint cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory for dessert. Unfortunately for R.J., I only took a picture of Conner feeding his cousin, Luke, and no pictures at all of the dinner celebration. Sorry R.J., I love you!
Don't do it!! Even when he's screaming his head off in the car!
This year I don't want to do a single birthday party! The kids always want to invite the entire school, even if they hardly know the kids. I told them that this year, they could do something fun, but could only invite 2 people. And guess what? It was still just as expensive, but I didn't have to do ANYTHING except call a couple parents. It was awesome. R.J. decided he wanted to go to John's Incredible Pizza, and here is a bit of the fun... (P.S. I didn't even have to go! I stayed home and relaxed while Ryan took the boys, because, after all, he is also a boy.)
R.J. turned 11 yesterday (and yes, I was 12 when he was born). He woke up to donuts, our family must always have donuts for birthdays. He also got to share a book and candy canes with his class at school. I know candy at school is against the rules, but just so you know, I don't care. And R.J. assures me his teacher doesn't either. :o) R.J. was especially excited for his new dirty clothes hamper, hee hee, and his new church pants and tie. Turning 11 is very exciting, with lots of exciting gifts...
R.J. also got to attend boy scouts for the first time on his actual birthday. At least in theory anyway. We took him to the church, but nobody else was there. :o(
First off, Braden earned his Wolf badge and 4 arrows, as well as belt loops in nutrition & collecting. Here he is giving me my pin...
And this is just because...
R.J. was the star of the night. Here he is with lots of Arrow of Light cupcakes...
Earning his compass badge and points, belt loops in swimming, nutrtition, family travel, chess & science, as well as his Webelos activity badges in athlete, scholar, scientist, family member & sportsman...
Order of the Arrow presentation...
R.J. giving me his pin for earning his Arrow of Light...
Bro. Strohmeyer welcoming R.J. into Boy Scouts...
R.J. receiving his Arrow of Light plaque...
R.J. with the Order of the Arrow guys...
We had our annual breakfast with Santa in our pj's on Saturday. The food was really yummy and the program was great. Braden seems grumpy here because he wasn't allowed to leave his chair. Something about running wild in the hallways of the church...
Sienna and Conner coloring Christmas pictures...
Every year we have a grumpy person who refuses to pose with Santa. And I'm pretty sure that every year, it is Braden.
