Allison came running out of bed to tell us she saw the reindeer in the grass and heard Santa eating carrots. She was certain and I love the excitement! She went right to her stocking and Santa stuff sitting by the fireplace. She was so excited to see her teacher supplies, lava lamp and stocking full of goodies.
Taylor couldn't believe she got the laptop she had hoped for and loved winning $19 and 2 more tickets on her lottery scratchers that were in her stocking! She was the big winner this year in what has become an annual tradition. They both liked their new water bottles, panties, candy, school supplies and hair clips that filled the stockings.
Once Chris and Aimee arrived, we began the present opening in the living room. We started opening one at a time, but that didn't last too long.
Allison loved her new goalie gloves, books, ski jacket, bible and other goodies.
My Mom got this solar-powered flower that will be perfect in her hospital room this week!There were lots of gifts left to open, but we took a break to eat the breakfast casserole and breads that my Mom baked and refuel with coffee and juice. Once back to the living room, Matt was thrilled with his ITouch, Dutch Harbor Fire Dept. shirt, portable grill and other goodies. I guess I was just bad at getting pics of it all. Taylor loved her ski gear and lift ticket, hair dryer, soccer books, etc. She is hoping to get to Big Bear soon.
Allison couldn't believe it when Santa called to tell her that he saw her looking out the window this morning when she spotted the reindeer. He thanked her for the cookies and milk, but had to go because he still had more presents to deliver. Thanks Santa!!
After all of the present cleanup, it was on to the dinner prep. Chris has become the pro of turkey frying. It only took 40 minutes to cook a 15 lb turkey and it was unbelievable!At dinner, Chris passed around Party Crackers for everyone to open. I guess it has been a tradition in Aimee's family and he wanted to keep it alive. So fun! Everyone opened a cracker and out popped little toys and these tissue paper crowns.
My Mom's cousin Mike and Joanie
Taylor and Grandma
Zach and Allison
A table fit for kings and queens!After dinner, we quickly cleaned the kitchen and got ready for the Charger's game. An extra special Christmas treat! My friend since 2nd grade, Brent, and his Mom came over to watch the game and enjoy some drinks and dessert. It was nice catching up with him while watching the Chargers crush the Titans! The perfect ending to a very festive Christmas day.
