Traditional After Christmas Shopping

Like cookie day, I can't remember how many year Judith and I have been doing this but its been a lot.  We used to be crazy shoppers but have mellowed out over the years.  Now we just putz around until we find a Hanukkah and Christmas gift to get for each other, eat a little lunch and catch a movie.  Always a good time.

Cousin Sleepover

Had to have the boys for a sleepover.  I love when the girls can be with their cousins and Sydney was even able to join in.  Lots of games were played, and they enjoyed a trip to the park in the beautiful weather we have been having.  Good times.

Archer Christmas

Blessed to be able to celebrate another Christmas with family.  We tend to do the same things but Keara stated that was just all a part of the tradition. She even went through every little thing we do.  It made Mom happy to hear it means a lot to her. 

We missed having Mark around but it was so much more important that he be with his wife on their first Christmas together.  He defiantly surprised her by showing up in Scotland unannounced. 

Had an amazing breakfast and got to clean the kitchen faster this year because Poppy finally sprung for a new dishwasher.  What a treat to now have that!

Again we were spoiled by Grammy and Poppy's generosity.  That said, Keara wins the prize for best gifts.  Her homemade gifts make us all look bad.  Next year we are making her go last. 

Kevin came mid-afternoon and we all enjoyed a turkey dinner. Some more gifts were opened and Mark and Caroline skyped in to see the boys open their gifts.  There is always humor in what gets given.  This year the boys got some posters that Mark picked out especially for them (Wonder Woman, Catnis and a Star Wars one).  I gave the boys a nose basketball game that provided hours of entertainment.

The cousins don't get to see each other that often so begged Grammy for a sleepover.  She wasn't prepared but who could say no to those faces.  They had a great time. 

Keara's Homemade Christmas Gifts

Furry Nativity

Christmas Morning

Getting Christmas gifts for two teenagers is hard and pricey.  Not sure it was a best year for gift giving but the girls were grateful nonetheless.  This year I told the kids they get five gifts.  One that they want, one that they need, one thing to wear, one thing to read and on charity to donate money to.  Seemed to work out well. 

Keara got a leather jacket (which she is returning), some books, clothes, a Harry Potter blanket and some cash.  She wanted to donate money to the ASPCA.

Kailei got some pajamas, a book, a new bow for archery, and a 3d doogle pen.  She donated money to Make a Wish.

Keara made her gifts - a joy jar for Kailei, a mug for me and a glass batman etching for Zeb.  We loved them. 

Zeb got a new monitor for his computer.  Hopefully it will help his vision a bit.  The dogs got some new treats and stuffed animals to disassemble.  All in all it was great. It always goes fast because we are anxious to get to Grammy's. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas mass was PACKED.  We got there an hour early and we were sent to the overflow room.  Luckily Gary and Tracie reserved some seats for us.  It was crazy. 

Christmas Eve dinner was at our house this year.  The usual food (cold cuts, chips, veggie tray, potatoe salad, etc). 

We managed to get some pictures in before the kids changed. 

My friend Judith joined us and we all had a merry 'ol time.