Between finishing up the school week, work schedules, and balancing numerous extended family obligations, getting together for the Christmas holidays can be hectic. Usually, we also have to throw in the fact that one family heads south for a beach vacation. And that leads to what we call early Christmas at the lake.
This year it was even earlier than usual, but it worked out just fine. Josh and I took our boys (and Cousin Austin) down to the lake on Friday night. Uncle Brian and Cousin Kyndal came down Saturday morning, following a late Friday dance rehearsal. And that meant we had a whole weekend to relax and enjoy good food and good times with close family.
Saturday Grandma essentially fixed two dinners - turkey and the trimmings from Uncle Brian and roast and noodles for Aunt Cheryl. We all have our favorites, right?
We had an early dinner, then had our Christmas at the lake just as it got dark. The kids were all bouncing off the walls with excitement, waiting to tear into those presents.
Youngest to oldest means that Xander goes first (by all of three minutes, of course, but still the youngest). For the first time ever, both of the twins actually opened most of their presents on their own. They weren't necessarily that interested in the contents, at least not until it was completely removed from the packaging, but they took off the bows and tore off the paper by themselves.
The older three are old pros, ripping into packages, then popping up for a photo op with their gift. And then they semi-patiently waited for their turn to roll around again.
The kids got lots of great gifts, and spent the rest of the night and most of the next day trying out their new toys. Connor's Nerf Dart Tag game was a big hit, though with only two guns there were a few issues. Kyndal's old school Spirograph was a big hit with young and old. There were lots of other great gifts, too.
And Sunday night we had to pack up and come back home. Back to school and work and reality.
Just one more week of school, and then the next Christmas countdown will begin. Connor is certainly going to be ready. And we're even a little optimistic that Sawyer and Xander might enjoy it a little more this year, too.
