Catching up after the holidays....

Our Christmas was busy, busy, busy as I know so many other peoples were. We were lucky enough to have four Christmases! Here's the run down....

December 20th found us in WV at Darrin's grandmother's. This is always a BIG event. She has five children, all of which were there. In addition, their spouses, children and grandchildren were there too. We had a super fantastic meal (pot luck of course) and then the wrapping paper started flying. We always exchange names as it would be (financially) impossible to buy a gift for everyone. After opening the gifts, visiting and eating some more... it was movie time. I retired early this year but the men stayed up to 4:00 a.m. It was a great weekend and a wonderful way to start the Christmas week.

Darrin's grandmother, Juanita
December 25th we were back at our house in Virginia. My in-laws (mom, dad & brother) came up to share it with us. The boys woke up bright and early at 7:30 a.m. By 8:00 a.m. we were all sitting in the living room (a little sleepy eyed) watching the boys excitedly pass out the gifts. This was the first year Garrett didn't still "believe." He took great pleasure in watching Payton's excitement. The big thing they got from Santa was Rock Band for their PS2. (Darrin seems to like it too!). They also asked for Nerf guns and ammunition which has gotten plenty of use. Darrin's mom and I made Christmas dinner and enjoyed watching the boys play with their new toys. Needless to say, we were all ready for bed early that night.

The boys, excited on Christmas morning
The next day, Dec. 26th, the boys and I headed back to WV to my mom's. We had dinner and exchanged gifts with she, my step dad, my brothers and their families. It was another first of sorts. The first Christmas we were all together in 26 years... since my oldest brother joined the US Air Force. We were so thankful he and his family were there with us and look forward to many more holidays with them.

Payton, Garrett and my oldest brother's girls

Our final Christmas was Jan. 2nd at Darrin's brother's. His two daughters, parents, grandmother and us enjoyed another meal together. As soon as we were finished eating the kids headed straight for the gifts. Since it was also Darrin's (39th) birthday, we celebrated that as well with cake and a few special gifts for him.

Garrett & Payton with their cousins @ Uncle Danny's

The decorations are down and put away for another year. Life has returned to normal, I suppose. It's always a little sad when the holiday season is over. It's such a joyous time of year when everyone is full of cheer. However, we're looking forward to 2009 and the new adventures it holds.

What to see more holiday pictures? No problem... just go to flickr!