Crazy days and crazy nights

                        

It has been so hectic the last few days, as I am sure it has been with everyone.  The entire family spent Christmas Eve at my parents.  It's tradition and we've been doing it since I can remember.  We have a wonderful holiday dinner and then sit to open gifts.  My Dad's gift arrived on Friday.  We all chipped in and bought him a beautiful recliner.  I think he likes it even though he says he'd never spend that kind of money.  Santa arrived for the kids and had several gifts in his bag.  Gage was in awe and the 'Bug' was scared to death.  Well, scared but not so much that she didn't go snatch the gifts he handed her.  My sister and I had gifts for them, but we also included one portion of the dress up gift that would be given to Bug on Christmas Day.  I think the outfits were a hit.  Though Gage has the facial expression of Ralphie after he was forced to wear the bunny jammies, Gage actually put on his outfit without any prompts from us.   

After the little kids and our kids did their exchange we did our traditional $5 trade off.  Everyone brings a gift that is no more than $5, wrapped of course.  Everyone starts with a gift, and not necessarily the one they brought.  A story about the Right family gets read.  Each time 'right' is said the gift you have goes to the right, when 'left' is said it goes to the left.  When the story is over what ever you have, you open.  It's always fun and very interesting to see what you get.  Anything goes and it usually turns into a laugh fest.  Next year, I think we need a new story!   

Then it was our exchange.  We picked names and did a somewhat 'theme' basket.  I had my younger sister and did a 'pamper' me basket.  New robe, new slippers, hand creams, a few cocktails, manicure set.  My older niece (bug and Gage's Mom) hadme, she got me the softest robe I'd ever touched.  At that point of the day I couldn't wait to go home and put it on.  It was not cold here for Christmas, but I didn't care.  It was soft and comfy.  New slippers, some perfume, gloves & a scarf finished it off.  The night was a huge success!   

Most of Christmas Day was spent at home.  Sweet rolls and coffee while we opened gifts.  My son got me a tripod which I absolutely am thrilled with.  Some computer supplies and CD's for burning.  Oh, and nice fleece jammies that I happen to be wearing now.  LOL  He got way to much as usual and won't bore you with the details.   

After our ham dinner we went to my sisters house (grandma) to give the kids the rest of their gifts.  All were successful and they loved them.  Bug is such a card and absolutely loved her dress up.  Gage enjoyed his gifts and immediately put together one of his pirate Lego sets.