We had a very busy holiday. First we had Russ's family over on Christmas Eve. Diane helped us prepare dinner, and showed me how to make a family eggplant recipe. Vernon swears no one can make the dish better than he can. Based on the only other time I've had it, I'd say he's right. His was kick ass. (You need to give up your secret, brother.) Dinner took longer than anticipated, so the boys kept Scott & Kristin entertained with the Cars movie. Once dinner was on the table, our boys stayed true to form. Brandon tried everything on his plate and ate what he liked. Owen ate everything. Dylan decided it was all yucky and refused to eat. (Stubborn little booger loves beef, too!) He refused to sit at the table, so he spent dinner time in bed. As soon as he heard everyone getting up from the table, he came out and said, "I'm sorry mommy," as sadly as possible. Of course he would, he knew it was present time. So once the table was cleared we got to presents. The boys all got presents they asked for plus more. I just love watching them open their gifts. I watch their faces every time. It never gets old.
Christmas morning we spent alone. We wanted a bit of time just for us. Santa did awesome this year. The boys could not have been happier. Although, I do have to tell you that Deets looked at his gift and started to cry. He had asked Santa for a music box just like Daddy's. (Daddy's is a little cardboard box that was meant to be a Christmas card. When you open it, it plays Christmas music. Well, Russ's grandpa gave it to him, so the boys are not allowed to play with it.) He expected a box JUST LIKE Daddy's. When I asked him why he was so sad, he said Santa didn't bring him his music box. I know that sounds spoiled, but you have to understand, this is all he wanted for Christmas. He didn't ask Santa for anything else. When I showed him that Santa did bring him a music box, and that it was much better than Daddy's, he stopped crying. He loved all the drawers for his treasures and the little horse than spun around. All was right with the world from that moment on.
After our morning of opening stockings and a few presents, we drove over to my mom's house to spend the day there. That was a crazy present paper flying extravaganza. At least their cousin, Hadija, was able to enjoy her presents. She sat on the outskirts of boys whirlwind of activity. The kids tore through their presents so fast, I don't think any of them even saw what they got. They sure didn't see what anyone else got. When it was all done, Deets asked, "Where's more presents?" All I could do was shake my head. The rest of the day was spent playing until dinner time. My brother was nice enough to make dinner: leg of lamb, couscous, broccoli & cheese, and sweet potatoes. It was pretty yummy. Mom even made banana cream pie and chocolate cream pie.
The next couple of days were days of rest. Then we drove down to Dublin on Sunday to spend the evening with Russ's other side of the family: Dad & Kathy, Heather and her family and Scott and Kristin. The kids had a great time playing with their cousin, Coltrane. I don't think they played much with his sister, Georgia. She spent most of her evening with Uncle Scott. We all spent the evening either watching the kids or catching up since we don't see each other often. It was a great evening and the dinner was pretty tasty.
As nice as it is to spend time with family, we were exhausted when it was all said and done. We actually missed one other Christmas gathering at my mom's house that same Sunday. All of my cousins and aunts and uncles (on my mom's side) who live here in California came to visit. So the boys and Hadija are opening more presents today. After today, Christmas is finally done.
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