Jack ‘n Tracie

I can’t show you Christmas but I can tell you. And then I can show you the day after Christmas.

Christmas eve all the kids were buzzing with excitement. They wanted to go to bed at 6:30 pm so that Christmas morning would arrive sooner. We vetoed that idea. Instead we baked Santa some Christmas and then watched Jack’s very old original cartoon “The Grinch that Stole Christmas” video. After this it was bedtime. The kids asked how early they were allowed to get up and we said no earlier than 6:30. So Kayla took Jack’s watch to bed with her so she could be sure of the time and off they went to bed.

Christmas morning at 6:30 on the dot, Jack and I were startled awake by six kids (Cody was still asleep) surrounding our bed singing:

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Now lets go and open presents
Now lets go and open presents
Now lets go and open presents
Lets open them now!

They all giggled after their song and informed us Santa had been to our house while they were sleeping. What a way to wake up! That put a huge smile on our faces, so we got up and Jack made coffee. Cody was still asleep so I held him on my lap while whispering to him that Santa came and gently coaxed him to wake up. He did just in time to open presents.

They all had a blast opening their presents and seemed pleased with what Santa brought them. They had a quick breakfast then checked out their stockings. More fun little surprises. At 9 AM Kayla, Katherine, and Jackie’s mother arrived to pick them up so after hugs and a lot of scrambling to be sure they got everything, they left.

Then it was time for me to cook… and cook I did. Lots and lots! The plan was for my family to arrive at noon but after I already got the turkey in the oven, mom called and said she would be late. She didn’t mention that my sister and her family was with her as well so they’d be late too. So at 1:30 I was kinda stressing that NO ONE was there! And when I checked the turkey, it was DONE… but they arrived at 1:45, just in time to see the turkey come out of the oven. My brother arrived with my nieces and nephew and it was time to have our feast. After that we opened the ton of gifts my mother brought with her. It was wild chaos with all the kids but lots and lots of fun.

After everyone went home, Jack, the kids, and I got snuggly on the couch and watched Bruce Almighty for the first time (cute movie!). Then it was time for bed… we were all exhausted.

It was a wonderful first Christmas in our new home with my family… We were very blessed this year.

(Click the “There’s More” link below for pictures of our trip to Jack’s Grandmother’s the day after Christmas)

After a very good night’s sleep, we got up and went to Target to score on some of the after Christmas sales. We got a bunch more lights and a few more decorations for next year as well as wrapping paper and cards. Then we raced home and got ready for our trip to The Dalles to see Jack’s grandmother.

On the way there we stopped at CompUSA and that’s where we got our new camera. This is the first picture I took:

Click here for more I took from the car of the beautiful scenery along the Columbia Gorge on the way to Grandma’s house in The Dalles, and some of the kids and Jack’s family at Grandma’s house.

Hope you enjoyed the small glimpse of our Christmas!