Christmas 2009

This year we were blessed to have Thunder's family join us again for Christmas.  His mom and dad drove in, and also his brother, wife and two kids.  These are our kids only cousins, so everyone was very excited!  Since there were 2 more kids added to the mix since our last big family pictures, we got those taken care of (you can see them here).  After pics we ate at a family fave, Tucanos!

Since Thunder's brother and family couldn't stay for Christmas Day, we got to have two Christmas dinners. Yummmm!  We had wanted to try deep-frying a turkey for a while, and actually received a fryer for a gift.  It cooked in an hour and was so moist and full of flavor.

 To accommodate 6 adults and 6 kids, we brought in a kids folding table, which of course, the kids loved.

 Christmas round one!  We opened gifts with Thunder's brother and family before they had to leave on Christmas Eve.  They got us a certificate for a hot-air balloon ride... how fun!!

And of course, Sunrise loved playing with the paper more than anything.

And back by popular demand, karaoke night!  Tornado kicked it off with "Proud to be an American" complete with his own lyrics ("there ain't no doubt I love Disneyland, God Bless the USA!)

 Nana had us all going with her version of "These boots are made for walking"

 Everyone got in on the action, it was a fun night!

 They left on the morning of Christmas Eve, and this year Santa was able to get everything under the tree relatively early (by 9 PM, wahoo!).  I was glad it got done early cuz I had a horrible crick in my neck- I even fit in a visit to a chiropractor.

Then... Merry Christmas!  The kids woke up around 7 AM, so we really can't complain.  It is priceless to see their expressions as they walk into the room for the first time.

 Here is a fun gift- the Gigaball!  The kids can roll around on top of it, and inside it.

 We received so many nice things and feel so blessed.  But we enjoyed spending the time with family most of all.  We hope you also had a memorable and loving Christmas!