Another Christmas has gone and Jacob is still asking to open presents. He's really set on opening Harley and Hannah's presents under the tree, even though they are at my parents for these few days we are in Chaska this week. For the first year he was good at opening his presents and was a great help to Gavin too.
We headed to Melrose on Tuesday night in the Malibu, since the Explorer's idler (or something) was making it idle too high for us to drive all the way to Melrose. 4 people, 2 dogs and all their gear and presents in a small sedan. It was a cozy as it sounds.
We started Christmas Eve at my parents for brunch and the opening of the stocking presents. When I was young we opened stocking presents all throughout December - think "oooh, look, bobby pins!" (underwear, socks, chapstick) and we did that here this year too. But for the last couple years mom hands out names and $30 and we each are responsible for buying 15 gifts with the $30 for whatever name we get. This year I had to buy for Alyssa and Fred had my dad. My mom always gets to buy for her grandchildren.
We headed to Melrose on Tuesday night in the Malibu, since the Explorer's idler (or something) was making it idle too high for us to drive all the way to Melrose. 4 people, 2 dogs and all their gear and presents in a small sedan. It was a cozy as it sounds.
We started Christmas Eve at my parents for brunch and the opening of the stocking presents. When I was young we opened stocking presents all throughout December - think "oooh, look, bobby pins!" (underwear, socks, chapstick) and we did that here this year too. But for the last couple years mom hands out names and $30 and we each are responsible for buying 15 gifts with the $30 for whatever name we get. This year I had to buy for Alyssa and Fred had my dad. My mom always gets to buy for her grandchildren.
Gavin and cousin Isaac at my parents'Then we headed to Middendorfs' for dinner about 2:30 and then did our exchange gifts. The littlest ones exchange names and most of the nieces and nephews and all the adults do a dice game exchange. I brought a blender this year and left with a very cushy new bathrobe. Fred came with the new Metallica CD and walk talkies and left with the new Metallica CD and walkie talkies. We always buy something we really want since it is such a variety of ages that its hard to by something that everyone would like.
At 5 we had church with my family. We made it there a few minutes late with a Jacob who was tired, hungry and thirsty! He ended up just falling asleep on my lap, which I was torn about as he missed what CHRISTmas is all about. But it is hard with all the running and all the fun cousins to play with, there is no way we'd get a nap out of him.
After church we go to my parents' and open the remainder of the presents. Fred got a new jacket for snowmobiling. I got a beverage tub, new file bins, a shower cleaner, and lots of other good stuff. Jacob got Legos and an emergency vehicle set. Gavin got his own little couch, a toy box and piggy bank.
At 5 we had church with my family. We made it there a few minutes late with a Jacob who was tired, hungry and thirsty! He ended up just falling asleep on my lap, which I was torn about as he missed what CHRISTmas is all about. But it is hard with all the running and all the fun cousins to play with, there is no way we'd get a nap out of him.
After church we go to my parents' and open the remainder of the presents. Fred got a new jacket for snowmobiling. I got a beverage tub, new file bins, a shower cleaner, and lots of other good stuff. Jacob got Legos and an emergency vehicle set. Gavin got his own little couch, a toy box and piggy bank.
Family photo after chruch
Dre always wants a picture with all her neices and nephews, this was the best one this year.Then back to the Middendorfs' for the rest of the gift opening. I got a new frying pan, snow globe, and vaccuum for the steps. Fred got a blow-up Santa for in the front yard next year and wrenches. Jacob got a computer and Kid K'nex and, as usual, noisy stuff from Chad and Mary - this year a percussion set (bongo drum, tamborine, maracas, shakers and more!) and a roll-out electric keyboard. Gavin got a rocking chair and the Leapfrog Alphabet Train.
Jacob with a piece of the percussion set.The next day it was off to my Grandma's in Springfield, MN. That's about a 2 hour drive from Melrose. We went there for lunch on Christmas Day. It's always a little challenging to be at Grandma's with all her crystal, ceramic nativity set and ceramic village all at kid height, but the kids did really well and it was fun to catch up with relatives.
Alyssa brought fun entertainment gifts to distract from the breakables,
the sunglasses were a hit.
Cool dudes, Isaac and Jacob.We spent Friday and Saturday in Melrose. Fred got to do a lot of snowmobiling. I tried shopping the day after Christmas with 2 kids. Exhausting and unproductive. Luckily I needed nothing and Fred was off snowmobiling anyway. Fred and I actually went out on Saturday night, Alyssa's birthday, down to Scooters. Alyssa and Joe and Joe's brother and girlfriend were there and we thought a lot of people from our class would be there, but not as many as were thought were there. It was fun to see and catch up with the ones that were there though.
On Sunday, we came back to Chaska after church. All our presents and presents left from Santa were waiting for us. It was fun to see what Santa had brought, since he hadn't told me. XBox games and a controller for Jacob, Fred and I. Gavin got a guitar. Jacob's big present was Hotwheels Tricks Tracks and Gavin a ride on dump truck. Fred got a leather jacket that needs to be exchanged and I got new outside lights for the house (my requests for new furniture, new appliances, and panelled doors were all denied). For our Christmas supper we ordered pizza (Jacob's favorite) and then made Jesus a birthday cake. And the Christmas celebrations came to a close, but we are still eating cake.
On Sunday, we came back to Chaska after church. All our presents and presents left from Santa were waiting for us. It was fun to see what Santa had brought, since he hadn't told me. XBox games and a controller for Jacob, Fred and I. Gavin got a guitar. Jacob's big present was Hotwheels Tricks Tracks and Gavin a ride on dump truck. Fred got a leather jacket that needs to be exchanged and I got new outside lights for the house (my requests for new furniture, new appliances, and panelled doors were all denied). For our Christmas supper we ordered pizza (Jacob's favorite) and then made Jesus a birthday cake. And the Christmas celebrations came to a close, but we are still eating cake.
Me and Jacob helped Gavin open his Santa present. Gavin needed a snack amidst the present opening.
Gavin with his big present. 
Jacob and me with the Jesus cake.
With the Explorer on the fritz we debated trading it in and getting something new, but after looking last night and just not knowing what to buy, its in the shop getting fixed and we'll keep an eye out for a new vehicle
We are heading back up to Melrose tomorrow to celebrate New Year's with some of Fred's family. And I am sure Fred will do more snowmobiling over the weekend. Maddie finally has her dance recital on Saturday (its been postponed twice due to weather), so that should be fun. And I hope to get a peak a Avery Braegelmann, Lori and Ryan's newest.
We are heading back up to Melrose tomorrow to celebrate New Year's with some of Fred's family. And I am sure Fred will do more snowmobiling over the weekend. Maddie finally has her dance recital on Saturday (its been postponed twice due to weather), so that should be fun. And I hope to get a peak a Avery Braegelmann, Lori and Ryan's newest.
Gavin's latest face. He'll do it on request. He's also been very brave about walking around the house this week. He's very proud of himself.
If I don't see you before or shortly after. Happy New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment