Christmases 2008

Well, this year we were the lucky ones who got to celebrate Christmas twice, fully. Due to timing and holidays, we hosted the different sides of the families at different times. We didn't want anyone to feel left out, so we did the whole shebang each time...gifts, chaos, turkey, desert, sleepiness, and recovery, twice. Everyone had a great time, especially Sophia who really got the whole Christmas thing this year. She was so excited and absolutely loved having all of her family around. It was a treat to watch the holidays through the wide eyes of toddler wonder. Jacob, well, this year he kind of slept through parts of it, but next year should be interesting.

CHRISTMAS 1 -THE GERHARDS

This occurred the second weekend in December. Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Adam and Auntie Kristine loaded their Christmas goodies into the Escape and headed West. Seeing that two of the four still have day jobs, they weren't able to leave until said jobs were done for the day, so they arrived late. Once settled, stockings were stuffed and gifts were distributed and sleep was eventually had. Christmas morning started with stockings, led to French Toast, then gifties (which had been eagerly watched all morning, and rescued from indiscriminate opening several times ---hmmm, wonder who that was!?). After all that started the playing with gifties and for some the prepping of the meal. All in all, it was a wonderful holiday which included many laughs, much fun, and just a little Wall-E.
The Christmas tree packed with gifts. Such a temptation for a two year old.

Distraction with Grandpa, a way to keep little fingers from tearing pretty paper.

Checking out the new Doll House. Sophia absolutely loves this gift. Great for little hands and big imaginations.

Finally growing into the Santa hat. Maybe next year Sophia can hand out the gifts.

Jacob hanging with Uncle Adam

Magnadoodling with Auntie Kristine. Not too sure who liked it more.

Showing off Jacob's new threads!

Christmas dinner.


CHRISTMAS 2 -THE MANTELS

Nana and Papa arrived on December 21 and hung out for a couple of days before the rest of the group arrived. No one could ave foreseen the fact that the flight plans of the Vancouver Contingent would be complicated by, of all things, a crazy amount of snow in Vancouver. The already delayed flight of Nan and Papa was further delayed by the weather, so instead of arriving at 11:59 PM they arrived at 2:30 AM the next day. So really, they arrived on the 22nd. Thankfully, the snow only delayed Todd and Dea by two hours, but still the difference in time meant that only some of us were able to make it to Christmas Eve service, where Sophia was an angel and Jacob starred as a pleasantly docile Jesus. With the prospect of a second Christmas morning looming, Sophia was just as excited that Santa was coming as she was at the beginning of the month. Stockings, breakfast, gifts, and dinner were all enjoyed, with the added bonus of the Bear family (Marie-Eve, Kelvin and William) joining us for the evening. William and Sophia had a great time, even if they were exhausted from the festivities. The following day, Todd, Papa, Dea and David braved the crowds for Boxing Day shopping and actually got some stuff. As for Dea, who had never been to the prairies before, Saskatchewan did it's best to welcome her. It never got above -20 the entire time she was here. I have to admit, she did very well for being in a deep freeze.


Our little Sophie Angel with her pal, Karlee. Nothing like being a cutie on Christmas Eve!

Jacob in his festive Santa suit (which fit him perfectly for a change!) courtesy of Jacquie

Sophia's very first nightgown. Thanks Jacquie. She loves it so very much that she is still wearing it at night, and it's big enough that it might just fit next year. Maybe.

Enjoy Robert Munsch, again and again and again.

spending quality time with Uncle Todd. Yes, that's Todd under all that fur.

The family picture...we are a happy bunch

All in all we had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays with our families. We are thankful that all of them were willing to come to us this year. Can't wait to see what next year holds!