The morning started as any other. The kids weren't overly excited; I don't think Max really expected much different. After getting over the focus on clothes, we were able to get down the stairs and let them admire the huge amount of stuff that had appeared under the tree. Ellie was excited when we got downstairs and did want to start ripping open presents. Max was more interested to just play with the toys that he has, opened, on the shelf already, instead.
The morning was long. They kids enjoyed their presents slowly and we did stop to play with a few things along the way. This was good for both of them. I'd say Max's favorite was probably the gear thingy Santa brought and Ellie I believe is torn between many things. She really likes her Princess doll and matching dress from Santa and Rudolph. She also talks a lot about her camera from Grannie and talks to her "talking Benjamin bear" from Grampa often.
We had a small lunch and then the kids had naps while I prepared for the evening visit from my siblings, their familes and my dad. It was really relaxing. Things went smoothly and all things were prepared in time. I realized there is a rhythm to this Turkey Dinner stuff, much of which was helped by my preparations during naptime on Christmas Eve. David was a big help and so was Bob - he was on Potatoes - 2 kinds as a matter of fact.
Everyone started to arrive around 4:30, starting with Jerred and Vicki. They were all in a great mode. We all sat down around the same table around 6pm for dinner. I think everyone enjoyed it. The kids did a great job of waiting patiently for gifts. Then they proceeded to get a little wild, but Aunt Katie was able to keep them calm and run the show. Ellie wasn't feeling well becuase she was starting with another one of her ear, sinus, cough things. But she did well hanging with her cousins and also sharing. The kids were all over the house - playing some upstairs in Ellie's room and also some in the basement. It was a nice use of the house this year as well. Most of the kids, except Max, were able to go downstairs and play by themselves. Later in the evening David even had some takers on the Kinect. He had fun challenging Danny to it. Followed by Erika and Ellie also having a go.
I ended up putting Max to sleep around 8:30 or so. He was really exhuasted. He enjoyed a little quiet Mommy time for a quick bath, a couple stories and a cuddle before falling quickly off to sleep. I love when I get to rock him before bed and he snuggles in. This is one of the best mommy moments of everyday, but even more special on my baby boy's first active Christmas. He did enjoy having the family at the house. He tried to snatch some cuddles from them all and was great about sharing his toys.
Ellie lasted until the last person left, but was a mess and quickly ushered to be without a bath. She was tired but had a nice Christmas. She had some questions about how her cousins did things differently then we do. I tried to explain best I could and just have to laugh at these things. How should I tell Ellie my rules are sometimes a bit different and on the tougher side of things around germs. Her big one was not understanding why everyone didn't know the rule about not blowing on her flute (not sharing germs). HOpefully no one else is sick with the same thing. We shall see.
Clean up wasn't too bad really and I ended up getting to bed around midnight. It was a great family Christmas. I'd be nice to have these days more frequently, perhaps without the presents, but with the decorations, family and good food. I'd definitely have to admit that the kids were overwhelmed with too many new toys and presents. I think they only needed a few things, but we all have to make our mark and buy them things, so the tree was really full. I ended up putting some things away for rainy days months down the road. I think they will be more appreciated when they are enjoyed alone, as opposed to mixed in with the other 50 things they got in a single day. Oh to be a kid today :-). Merry Christmas Ellie and Max! We love you very much and look forward to many many years of Christmas to come.
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