Wednesday, December 26, 2007

On the Fourth Day of Christmas . . .









This year we had four days of Christmas! Saturday, we got together with my sisters, their families, and my parents for gifts, pot roast, and a great kickoff to family get togethers. The cousins all piled on my parents' bed to watch movies and relax. Carter's highlight was getting a bike--he can't even reach the pedals. He loves the fact he has a bike, though!

Sunday, we went to church, and then we went to Ryan's extended family celebration to have ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole and more gifts. We had a nice time seeing all the aunts, uncles, cousins and Happy. Carter and Ivy had fun being as silly as they could for their "audience."
Monday, we went to Christmas Eve services at church and then went to Ryan's mom's to open gifts with his immediate family and have prime rib. This was a fun evening, as we did kid dinner and gifts first and then put Ivy, Carter and Gabe to bed. We were able to have an unrushed, adult conversation dinner and then open our presents without meltdowns, accidents or whining. It was wonderful! Carter loved the baseball toy he got, but his two train track sets are his current obsession. He gets down on his tummy, face in his hands, and just watches the train (or "choo choo") go round and round. He also narrates what the train is doing, "down, tunnel, up, whoa," etc.
Christmas morning, Ryan and I realized that Carter has his meltdown on the fourth day of Christmas. He was grumpy, tired and not into presents anymore. Luckily, we bought very little for him, as he is blessed by all his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He took a long nap after we opened a few presents and enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls. Then, we had a neighbor and both of his grandparents (our parents) over for Mexican food and a mellow ending to our family get togethers. Carter slept over 12 hours that night, and I figure it will take a few days to recover from our four day whirlwind.

Christmas was wonderful, but, as every year, I realize the presents mean figuring out storage, food means buckling down on a New Year's diet, and so many family meetings mean tired individuals after four days of visiting. It is refreshing to know our true reason for celebrating brings nothing but joy and hope for Christians. Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of salvation you bring! I pray you all had a joyous Christmas in Christ!

3 comments:

Amy Kaylor Photography said...

Looks like a wonderful time with all the family. I love it when all the little cousins are able to get together. We have watched as the Kaylor cousins have grown up and grown to be good friends. Our twins opened up a few presents on Christmas morning (after cinnamon rolls as well) and then pretty much were done..wanted nothing to do with the rest of their gifts. I pray their spirit of contentment sticks. haha Wishing you a very healthy 2008!

Tall Tale of a Teacher! said...

I love the title of this post! We too had many celebrations. The kids did great but by the last night they were done too! Drew does love his new word though..."presents!"

Ryan Hawley said...

It was a great time. Thanks for all you do for us, Chiara. And great job on the cinammon rolls. yummy!

As far as Carter, I've never seen a kid with so many train toys. He loves his "choo choo"