December 24, 2008

Wednesday 24~~~~~We were up and busy this morning doing last minute things for our Christmas with both of our families. We do Christmas Eve with Sharon's family and this year it is at Jean Marie's house. We all enjoy her house, as she has so much room and she puts up two trees, one in the family room where most of us gather, and one in the living room. We arrive about 4:30 with everyone bringing an appetizer to enjoy with our Christmas "cheer". We have our traditional oyster soup and potato soup with all kinds of meats and cheese's for make it yourself sandwich's. Of course there is so much candy and sweets everyone has made and brought to finish off a good meal. Jean Marie always has a couple of her special pies to eat if you have any room left. After we clean up the kitchen we all gather in the family room for the opening of the kids presents. (those under 18). (picture) We are packed in like sardines, but we have so much fun. Each family hands out all their kid presents at one time, so we can enjoy seeing them open the perfect gift you tried to find for that person. (picture-they look pleased) It does take quite awhile, with there being so many of us. (Shelby and Breanna Picture) Next the adults retire to the living room where we have the adult tree with the presents to be opened by the adults. It is enjoyed by everyone to see the joy that all those hours of shopping, wrapping and planning bring to each one you give a gift to. We start cleaning up the boxes and paper while some of us treat ourselves to another piece of pie or cake. We have had so much fun and it is now about 10PM, there are so many opened presents all over, (Pic-Blaize's pile) the Mom's start gathering them for the men to load in the vehicles. There are a lot of hugs, goodbyes and thank you's before we head home or some to Midnight Mass. Another perfect Christmas Eve with family and we still have our big day tomorrow with the rest of our family in Portland.