Christmas, Parts 2 and 3 of 4

Christmas morning, Tessa woke up at 5:30, and since her dad had just gotten to bed around 3 (waking me in the process) I told her she had to go back to bed for at least an hour. She didn't argue but said "I can't go back to sleep!" Standard reply to that is "then read a book!" I think she must have dropped back off because she didn't come back in until 8.

Santa came in the night and left (among other things) body wash and other personal care stuff for dad, coffee and truffles and some hair things for mom, a bunch of little personal care things and a few smaller toys for Tessa, and an Operation Game to which he forgot the batteries, catnip for the kitties, and a little cash with a note telling mom to get Jack a Nylabone.

Tessa loved her presents from us, which included some books and a couple of movies, including her "big gift" of the first season of Gilmore Girls. (When we got to my in-laws, Grandma had gotten her the next 6 seasons, which means she got the whole set in one day!)

We left for the in-laws right after opening our own presents and did more of the present thing there. (I have some new knitting books!) Jeremy's big gift was being loaded down with about 25# of change (mainly quarters!) plus a ton of smaller bills, so I'll be picking up paper rolls today for us to fill to make a bank deposit--which hopefully makes up the difference needed to make our December house payment!

We had a great day. Even the moody teenage boy was happy to be with the family and see everyone. Tessa got to play with her Aunt Kiersten and cousin Cadence, we watched Wall-E (which Daddy and Tessa love, I thought it was ok but got bored before the end), we ate mom's great dinner and mostly just enjoyed each other's company. We especially enjoyed the little ones, Candence and Cassidy--such funny little kids! Below are pictures of our day.



Opening Presents



More Presents!



Grandpa and his Grandgirls



Family Cat, Nature--he wasn't feeling good all day. :-(



Silly girl!



Aunt Kiersten and Cadence



Cousins



Uncle J teasing Cadence



Uncle Justin teaching Tessa how to use her recorder



Bobby with Natchie



Siblings Kiersten and J...Youngest and Oldest, 21 years between. There are more years between these two than between J and his mother. Which kind of blows the mind when you think about it that way...



Uncle J playing with C.J., his favorite (only) nephew!



C.J.'s first Christmas!