Austin started Christmas vacation much like every holiday started in my house growing up...sick. When I went to his school for his Christmas party the Friday before break and he couldn't even eat any of the goodies, I knew he didn't feel good. That and he was so hot I didn't have to take his temperature to know he was running one. So we left and immediately went to the doctor and learned that he had the H1N1 flu virus, and it quickly spread like wild fire through the house. Thankfully I only ended up with a cold, probably because I am the only one who got a flu shot this year (thanks to my work who was giving them out free on a day I happened to be there). We were trying to get healthy before my mom and dad got here, as they also did not get the flu shot. My dad did end up going home with a cold, which was inevitable I guess.
Here are the highlights of our Christmas season in no particular order, some I have pictures of, most I do not:
1. Watching both of the kids' Christmas programs, which I sobbed uncontrollably through. Aubrey's school put on a music program where she sang 3-4 'choreographed' songs. And Austin was in our church's production of the Back to the Manger, the Children's Christmas musical. We spent so much time at rehearsals we all knew all of the songs by heart, including Aubrey. Well, mostly by heart. I just love to hear Up on the Housetop and Gloria, in Chelsey's Stable over and over. Here is a little private production of one of the songs for your viewing pleasure.
2. Making Gingerbread houses. This is the first time we had ever done this, and we really enjoyed it, my parents included.
The masterpieces
3. Playing scrabble with my mom while munching on chips and my grandma's famous clam dip, a tradition in my family. I may or may not have whooped her booty...twice. She may or may not have whooped my booty the same number of times.
4. Watching Christmas movies. And then laughing every time my kids say "you serious Clark?".
5. Watching my children open up Christmas presents.
6. Playing Hungry Hippo and laughing until I almost peed my pants.7. Watching Austin walk around in Papa's boots.
8. Exchanging gifts with our best friends and sharing more laughter and stories and good food.
9. Playing games until late in the night, which is our plan for tonight as well.
10. Visiting Santa, who just happens to be a Red Sox fan. We love to talk baseball with him every year. We have been visiting the same Santa since Austin's second Christmas, so all of the pictures of the kids are with him. Which is pretty cool I think. And the kids like to ride the Christmas train after they talk to St. Nick.
And, as it is appropriate and fitting every year, I will refer you here for a little Christmas poetry.
Happy New Year to you all!
