A Breakdown of Christmas

We've had a total of 6 Christmases this year. Here's a breakdown of what went down in a little over a week.

#1: My mom's family (her siblings, mom, etc) 12/17/11 We went up to Burien (1hr away) for this. It was great to be around family. We all live pretty close but are all so busy that the only time we can guarantee seeing each other is at Christmas. Carver got everything for his own beta fish - including a gift card to go pick out a fish. We've since done that and he picked out a really pretty blue and green one that he's named Winnie the Pooh (or 'winnie pooh-aa' as he calls him). We stayed in a hotel that night with mom, her fiance, my brothers, and one of their girlfriends. The next day was my mom's birthday and my brothers were doing iFly (indoor sky diving) as their Christmas present from my mom. After that, we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and did Snowflake Lane after that. One of the big malls around here shuts down a street and has drummers, fake snow (soap suds) and lots of holiday aspects. It was a blast and we'll definitely be doing it again next year.

#2: My dad 12/23/11 We ended up meeting my dad at his work (the fire station). He was working and we thought it'd be fun for Carver to see all the rigs. Dad gave Chris and Carver the grand tour (we kinda-sorta grew up there if you know what I mean). We planned it so that we'd go when Carver woke up from his nap but he decided that he didn't need a nap that day. Joy! He did great for the first 2/3 of it. He got to sit in a firetruck and saw everything. Then one of the medic rigs came back and dad's friend, Jim, hopped out. Jim is about 6 1/2 feet tall and that was a little too scary for Carver. haha After that it went down hill. But we gave my dad his presents and Carver got a fire hat. It was great to see my dad, even though it was only for a little bit.

#3: My mom, her fiance, my brothers, etc 12/24/11 We made Christmas eve into Christmas morning. We woke up with breakfast at 8am and had Swedish Pancakes. After everyone was done eating, we opened presents. Carver got a battery-operated John Deere tractor with trailer from Mom and Charlie, plus some smaller toys. I got a KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer (in red) from Mom, Charlie and my Gramma and Chris got loads of Cabela's gift cards. He's still trying to decide what he wants the most. :)

#4: Our little family 12/25/11 We came home from my mom's house on Christmas eve so we could do our family Christmas on Christmas morning. Carver slept in so we didn't get out of bed until 8am. We'd set out milk and candy (we were out of cookies) for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Carver's face LIT UP when he saw that everything was gone! I wish I'd gotten a picture. It was priceless! We then opened stockings and had breakfast. After that, we did the big stuff. This year, by far, was the best! Carver's reaction with everything was amazing. To see that innocent glee was priceless. Some present highlights: Carver got a VTech Innotab (a kid's version of an iPad), a Craftsman chainsaw and toolbox to go with his work bench, and a new Bobcat Excavator that's the same as Chris's. Chris got a road sign that says "Garland City Limits" and wait for it... another Cabelas card! I got a Gene Juarez gift card. That's where my nail lady works and I've been wanting to get my toes done so it's enough for two pedicures!!

#5: Chris's family 12/25/11 We went over to Chris's parents house around 4pm and hung out. Santa (aka Chris's dad) made an appearance, but Carver didn't really think much of him. Carver got another bobcat (different than what we got him) and a dump truck, along with books, paints, playdoh, etc.

#6: My friend Mallorie 12/26/11 Mallorie tends to work too much. ;) So it's hard for us to get together. But she had Monday off so we said that planned for her to come out for the day and veg all day until my nail appointment. Well she texted me that morning saying that she had a horrible headache and was congested and was thinking that if she laid low and slept that we could do dinner after my appt. So that's what we did. We met at Olive Garden and had yummy food. :) She gave Carver a couple pillow pets (a regular and a mini) and he loves them!! The regular size one will be going to my mom's house so he has a pillow to sleep on there. The mini is roving as of right now. :)


And that's it! It's been a busy week but it was great to see all of our family and friends. I just wish that it have to be a holiday in order for us to get together.