Here is the Christmas 2009 Photo Gallery (click here to go to a bigger slideshow of the photos)
The big events kicked off on Christmas Eve, where Nana Kay and Pop-pop had a great little dig at their house. Dawn, Marlin, Alex, and Austin representing from Kay's family. From my neck of the large tree came myself, Suzanne, Lydia and of course lets not forget Gramma Dolores and Grampa Bill. The food was great! They had everything to eat from shrimp, veggie and bread platters, and cheese and crackers to a wonderful spread of mac cheese, turkey, potatoes, various caseroles, and don't forget the gravy. Yummy! Enough food to feed a small army. Of course Suzanne made her famous stuffed mushrooms, and nearly a half a platter to send home with her biggest mushroom fan, Marlin.
After about two hours of eating, it was time to open presents - WOW! What a great time. Lydia had soooo much fun!
The next day at our house, Lydia opened a few presents in the morning from Santa and Suzanne, and then the rest of the presents would have to wait until after our brunch offering. I am proud to say that Lydia had NO problems waiting to open the gifts. The two she opened that morning provided her with enough fun for the morning. Suzanne made a great spread of food including the usual appetizers, halupki, stuffed mushrooms, and lasagna. Oh my goodness - I am such a spoiled boy. What a great layout of treats!
Then it was time to get back to present opening. Everyone exchanged presents, and had a great time! Lydia received so many presents. She would open one, and then play with it for a period of time, and then open another, and play with it. Repeat...Repeat...Repeat. By 5 PM or so, she had enough with the present ordeal, and proclaimed that the rest would have to wait until the next day. WOW - what character this little one has! I am so proud of her for not being subdued with material obsession. She was so much more into a great quality time of curiosity and exploration.
So by 3 PM the next day, she had finished opening her presents. She loved EVERYTHING that folks had sent her, and doesn't appear to have an outright favorite as of yet. Family discussions will NEED to be had about downsizing the purchases, but that aside, it was a great experience for Lydia. Lots of fun was, and still is being had by all.
For everyone who was able to share this wonderful holiday with us - thank you - thank you - thank you. We are so blessed to be in such a great situation, and please think of those who are not as lucky as we. Merry Christmas - the New Year is just around the bend!
Some other notable holiday videos:
