Due to work schedules and extended families, we celebrated Christmas together on Christmas Eve morning. Nick, Jenn, Bradlee, Cameron, and Serena gathered at our house around 8am and exchanged gifts.
Bradlee gained experience opening presents thanks to Nick and Jenn wrapping several and putting them under their tree a few days before Christmas. Their front room is small and Bradlee didn't have to squirm far to reach the pretty paper.
A few years ago I started a tradition of finding some off-the-wall gift for the kids still at home, wrapping it up and giving it to them a week or so before Christmas. They were allowed to handle it as much as they wanted and if they guessed it, they could open it on the spot. Otherwise, they had to wait until Christmas. The first couple of years, I fell into the 20 Questions trap and they had the gift in hand in a matter of minutes. This year, I faithfully stuck to the "You must ask
specifically" rule and Richelle couldn't guess it. It was killing her with frustration after six days of wrong guesses so I let her open it with her other gifts Christmas Eve after everyone else made helpful suggestions. Only Cameron knew what it was and he was giving broad hints.
Richelle loves all things earth science and I'd gotten her a set of BuckyBalls. There are 216 extremely strong magnets the size and shape of BBs. As you can see, she was thrilled with the gift. It's amazing what you can make with 216 magnetic BBs! We first saw and played with BuckyBalls at my brother Steve's house last June. Richelle wanted to go right out and get some immediately.
My favorite part of the entire day. We all worked together to put on a breakfast feast: Cameron made Belgian waffles, Serena manned the bacon, Jenn saw to the biscuits and gravy, I whipped the cream, sliced the strawberries and assisted with the scrambled eggs, Richelle arranged the table and ran errands, while Nick and Mike entertained Bradlee.
I think we're going to make it a tradition.
2 comments:
What fun times you guys are having! Sounds special with lots of time for bonding and connecting. Wish times like that were able to be more regular with my family. We're just a little too far for the "c'mon over for dinner" invites, so times to relax and connect are few and far between. It is nice, though, to realize it's all a cycle and someday we'll have that with our own kids and their spouses and families. Nice to see a little window into your life. =)
love to all!
xo
I cherish every moment I have with the kids living so close. I know their lives may move them across the country at any point in time so hold dear the times we have together...without getting soppy about it!
Glad you enjoy the updates and I'll try to be a bit more regular with them.
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