New on our tradition list was Christmas Eve service with Jimmy at his new church. They had a mini parent, TONS of music and cookies. Jimmy knew all the pastors and some of his friends were there too. In fact, 2 of the kids in the pagent are Tom's kids at school and he also ran into a fellow teacher. Small world. It was fun to see Jimmy finding his faith and church community.
We kept it really low key with a fantastic lamb chop dinner, kids champagne and matching ugly sweaters (Tom gave us all a Christmas Eve gift of ugly sweaters - cute). We laughed, talked and Kay even let us take her photo AND she's smiling! Best. Gift. Ever.
Before they went to bed, the kids did rock paper scissors to see what time they would get up. The boys wanted earlier (9) and Kay wanted later (11). Jimmy won and set the wake up time for 9:00am.
By the time we actually got everyone up, it was 9:30, we had cinnamon rolls ready and the kids attacked their stockings.
Then, it was off to the main event. The kids are getting to an age where they dont really want much, but what they do want is expensive.
Billy had asked for a gaming laptop as a combination birthday/xmas gift. Since the kid almost never asks for anything, we had to find a way to make it happen. I looked around for reconditioned laptops and had great luck at Device PitStop (again!). He was thrilled and has been on it non stop since.
Jimmy wanted pants, a bible and a t-shirt for St Johns Football. We also got him a pair of Birks so that he can stop wearing Tom's. Kay gave him the bible which is the ultimate in irony.
Kay wanted a puppy. A teacup chorkie puppy to be exact (chihuahua and yorkie mixed). She was on puppy websites for 8 weeks and finally wore me down. We didnt actually get her a puppy but gave her a promise of a puppy. We agreed to a mixed breed or rescue small (not teacup) puppy. Now we just need to have the "right" puppy come along. We did fill out an adoption application for the cutest mixed breed sheltie puppies and are being considered. Its an 8 week process and I am in no hurry;)
Tom and I got things we needed, which was just fine with us. Books, weights and clothes.
Post the present opening, we headed to Brigid's to see her family, Tom's mom and dad and their good family friends. We had prime rib, aunt minnies, salad, stuffing....the whole feast. The kids had a great time playing pool and Kay and Charlie are 2 peas in a pod. Kay was thrilled when Charlie said that Kay was her favorite cousin. They ended the day either watching football or playing Sequence.
All in all, it was a wonderfully relaxed, happy, fun and family holiday.
We have so much to be grateful for. We are blessed.
Getting ready to open our Christmas Eve Surprises, we were watching Lucy for Wendy and Annemiek. For some reason Nikki boycotted the photo
My newest and most favorite picture of us. It perfectly shows what a great day we had.
My boys
lamb chops - yes, that was just for the 5 of us. We did bring some to Tom's mom as a present the next day - its her favorite
Stuffing and roast broccoli 
brussel sprouts onions and bacon
The finished product
For Santa and the reindeer. Substations this year - raspberries instead of grapes for Blitzen and wine instead of coffee for Santa 
Christmas morning!
Stocking!
Stocking!
Stocking 
Kay hiding and Jimmy loving the bible she gave him
Billy being silly and thrilled with his gift
We LOVE our gifts!
The Murphys!!
