Christmas 2008 Review

Christmas 2008 was spent up at my parents house. We went up early on Christmas Eve, attended the children's service at church, spent the night, and spent most of Christmas day with my family. On Christmas Day, Tom's family joined us for Christmas Dinner. It really is nice being able to spend the holidays with your entire family, and to not have to worry about driving anywhere. Tom and I are extremely fortunate in that regard. Our parents get along, and our families are small enough that it isn't too outrageous to get everyone together for dinner. This is the second major holiday in a row where we have spent the day as one gigantic family.

Here is the official Christmas 2008 Report Card

1. Watching Ellie climb over the communion railing during the children's sermon at church on Christmas Eve - B

2. Spending the time with family and friends - A

3. Enjoying terrific food and libations - A

4. Watching Ellie really enjoy Christmas for the first time - A

5. Watching Nick open an entire gift bag filled with pictures of feet. (Nick hates feet - they make him throw up) - A+

6. Having 5 adults, 1 child, 4 dogs, and 1 cat in one house at the same time. I was sure we would see a scene similar to that of Christmas Vacation where we would have a dog chasing a cat through the house and tearing everything up. Fortunately, this did not occur. - C-

2. Packing it all up and going home.... C

Here are a few pictures to share. Unfortunately we did not get a picture of Ellie at church. We are hoping that without physical proof, God may still let her into heaven one day.

Yes, the living room really did vomit Christmas. Terrific celebration!

Ellie with the sparkle pom pom headband

Ellie and her new watermelon hat

Ellie and Mom playing playdoh. What were we thinking?

Elmo going night-night

Elmo biting Ellie. Shortly after this, Elmo spent the rest of the afternoon in time out for biting. He got a stern lecture and had to stand in the corner. Poor Elmo.