Christmas Re-Cap

I know Christmas was almost a month ago. Still getting caught up on my blogs.

Christmas was different this year. We enjoyed not having all the usual running around that the holidays bring, but the kids missed the snow or a least the cold, I have heard there wasn't any snow at home this year. Christmas day was the only day I have missed home, Dorion home.

 I made my traditional meal for Christmas Eve dinner, Gram-ma Humphrey's homemade sauce with pasta.  I found a great Italian bakery and bought some delicious bread to go with the meal. After our meal we headed to our church for our Christmas Eve service. At the end of the service the whole church went outside to sing 'Silent Night' while lighting candles. It was beautiful and something I had never done. I have been to Christmas Eve services in the past that ended with 'Silent Night', but never outside and with about 600 people. It was a memorable time. After the service we came home to enjoy some time together. I made a special treat of hot chocolate with candy canes and whipped cream. After that the kids got to open one present. This is a tradition that we have done this since they were tiny. We make a big deal about the gift and wondering what it will be (even though it has always been pajamas) and kind of make it fun for the kids. I think they all like this.

Brandon, Keith, Amy & Ethan enjoying hot chocolate! 

        Me & Keith 

Christmas morning came with great anticipation on Ethan and Amy's part. Brandon is getting a bit old and doesn't express himself the way he used to and he likes to sleep in. The coffee was on and the breakfast set to cook and the gift opening started to happen. The kids were happy with their gifts but unfortunately, Brandon had to wait an additional 2 weeks to get his gift of the Insanity Workout series of DVD's because Beach Body screwed up his order 3 times! (I love their products, but I got the worst customer service from them and they ended up giving me his gift plus other stuff for free!) I'm thankful that Brandon was mature enough to handle waiting for his gift. Amy got a new camera, a point and shoot, but one with a re-chargeable battery plus clothes and small stuff from her friends around here. Ethan received a new stunt kite. He loves it and is mastering the art of tricks. We also gave him clothes, which he was not impressed with, but he is wearing them. I surprised Keith with lessons to fly a glider, however when I bought the lessons I didn't realize it was a seasonal thing and could only be used after our time here was over. So he wouldn't be able to take lessons while we were still down here. We returned that gift and he bought a Blackberry Playbook. My main present was a new lens for my camera. My wonderful husband spoils me rotten and beyond words. I have been drooling over this particular lens since he gave the camera a year and a half ago.

Brandon showing the ornament my mom gave to him (we all got ornaments too!)

Amy excited about gifts! 

One of E's favorite gift's. Brandon gave it to him. 

 Opening my gift! I was quiet surprised and happy with the lens.

After gift opening it was quiet.  Unfortunately I suddenly became quite sick and spent most of the day alternating between the bed and couch. I had the chills and was running a temp. It wasn't the best day for me.   Around evening I was feeling a bit better so we went out to the beach to watch the sunset because we were all feeling cooped up. It was good to get out of our home and get some fresh air. I got to play with my camera and new lens and I loved it. 

Amy & Keith ~ Christmas Day 

Christmas Day ~ The Guys 

Ethan & Keith 

Brandon & Keith 

Me & Keith ( I was still feeling icky and still pasty! ) It was the best I could do for a picture.

The sunset was amazing. My header picture is from Christmas day to give you an idea of how beautiful the sunset was. While Christmas was different it was still special and one I'm sure we'll look back on with fond memories especially next year when we are freezing and have snow up to our waists!