Christmas Day 2012

The night before (Christmas Eve), we wrapped presents and put 'em under the tree. The kiddos also left a note, cookies, and milk for Santa before bed. And we put them all in coordinating Christmas PJs (a tradition we started last year) that night and got a few pics.

Since everyone was pretty sick, we didn't wake up as early as we normally do on Christmas morning. Around 7:30am, Vivi was the last one awake. Gavin and Vivian both still had fevers and so some acetaminophen and a couple of morning popsicles were the first order of business. We got everything ready, came downstairs and checked out the empty plate and cup Santa must have left behind. Gavin was quite interested.

Before we opened gifts, we took several rounds of photos. This was the best we could do.

Then it was time for presents!

Gavin got a Superman monster truck, a lincoln log set, a "Best Big Bro" shirt, a Toy Story book, a toy car that can be taken apart with tools, a couple of carabiners, and several little stocking stuffers.

Vivian got a pretend baking set (with wooden cupcakes, cookies, and donuts), a Cinderella book, a little Cinderella figurine with interchangeable dresses, a journal, a purple fairy tutu, and several stocking stuffers.

We threw a bunch of breakfast bars, chew bars, and fruit strips in their baskets for them to eat along the way. They were definitely a hit!

We played with everything for a few hours before getting ready to drive an hour and a half south to my sister's house for dinner. My mom and Max were already down there and Joe's family joined us.

Vivi was very excited the whole drive down and especially at this rest stop.

G & V got an awesome huge cardboard playhouse that they can color

from Auntie Bird and Uncle Joey. They're very excited about it!

G & V played pin the nose on the snowman.

And then we played get-the-cookie-from-your-forehead-to-your-mouth-without-using-your-hands with all of the adults. There were 8 of us, so we paired up and had a tournament. Meghan and Joe faced off and Meg won, Scott and Ariel competed and Scott won, Wes and I competed and Wes won, and then my mom and Max faced off and Max won. 

In round two, Meghan and Max were paired up and Meghan won. And between Scott and Wes, Wes won. Even Gavin and Vivian gave it a whirl.

The final match was between Meghan and Wes (see video below).

Clearly, Wes won. He's oddly REALLY good at this game. Who knew?

As expected, the food was INCREDIBLE! Meghan made prime rib and about a dozen amazing sides. SO. GOOD. It was a great end to a great day, sick kids and all.