What a fun Holiday season we had this year! Every year has been great, and this year was no dissappointment!
We spend every Christmas Eve with the Diederich's. Every year is very similar. We go see a movie in the theater with the whole family, this year we saw The Prince and the Frog. It was a lot of fun. The kids are at an age where they will actually sit and watch the movie. Of course it helps to have a bucket of popcorn, but they did great!
After the movie we all head over to Grandma and Papa D's house for more festivities. They are still not home, but we invade their house anyways. It wouldn't be the same if we didn't. Their house is our representation of them! We missed them so much, but were happy we were able to talk to them on the phone. (more on that later).
Once we have all gathered together we eat a most splendid meal with ham, turkey, cheesy potatoes and all the fixins. I am lucky to have married into a family that really knows how to cook, every meal is one to look forward to, and this was no exception.
Reagan and Crew had the time of their lives, they love being with their cousins and I think that was enough to make the night a success. But there was much more that added to the excitement.
After dinner we all gathered in the Living Room where Summer and Amelia lead us all in some Christmas Carols as we waited for Santa to stop by for a quick visit as he was out delivering presents.
Our beardless Santa did finally arrive with gifts for each of the kids. Crew was the lucky guys who got to go first. I was a little nervous at how he would act with Santa since Reagan has always been petrified of the man, but Crew seemed to be indifferent. That was, until he realized Santa was going to give him a gift, then he really seemed to like the guy!
Reagan, on the other hand, was a little different. Even after watching Crew sit on his lap and give him a hug, she did not want to go anywhere near him. As you can see...
But after some coaxing from Steve, she let go of her death grip and gave Santa a second to prove that he was an ok guy. Santa did a great job and handed over one of his bell bracelets for her to wear. He must know the quickest way to a 3 year old girls heart, because that was enough to keep her seated there until he gave Reagan her real present, her jammies.
For the next 30 or 40 minutes all the gifts were distributed to all of the kids, and adults as well, and an opening frenzie ensued. It was the funnest chaos there is to have. Reagan and Crew were spoiled like you can't believe and the whole process was the most fun they get to have all year.
Reagan's aunt Carie made her the cutest apron I have ever seen for a little girl! The best part is that it matches the apron that Carie gave me for my birthday, so Reagan and I are twinners! Reagan loves it, and insists on wearing it every time we are eating. So freakin' cute!
After all the presents have been opened we all put on our boots and our coats, we all went over to the Hanks' house for our little talent show. Each of the kids prepare something to share, and it is a real treat. I wonder if Reagan likes the talent show better than the presents. We were able to see how talented the kids have become at the piano, singing, and guitar. It was fun. Reagan couldn't be left out of the show so she and Crew did a number together.
Crew had a harder time paying attention to the show, but luckily we had uncle Dan there to keep him occupied...
After all was said and done and it was time to go home and get in bed to await Santa's visit to our homes, we gathered the kids together for our yearly picture. It is hard to get everyone looking and smiling, but we do the best we can! Here is what I got...
It was such a fun night! Thank you to all of our family for making it special!
Grandma and Papa - we can't wait for you to be home in less than a month! We missed you and can't wait to celebrate with you next year!
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