XMAS Day '09

730am - I was first up - about 40 degrees & windy It was raining fairly heavily pretty much washing away the rest of the snow from earlier in the week. Go figure - snow everyday but Xmas! Started coffee, exercised, walked Ykraps Expecting Dad at 830am. I woke Mindy with coffee at 810am. Mom was up just before the kids. Soon the kids were on the stairs waiting permission to attack Mindy placed the breakfast casserole in the oven before calling in the kids Dad arrived just as we granted them access to the family room. We left Glenn sleep. The kids know the drill well. They gathered by the fireplace while Mindy coordinated their Xmas. ‘Santa’ gifts first. Each had about 8 of those. Next, there was a pile of 3 or 4 joint Santa gifts, which included a Wii Fit Plus and a new Wii game. The kids opened a few Jimindy gifts next. Mom & Dad were next. Sadly, they didn’t get any Santa gifts, but they still made out quite well. :) I was next. My stocking was loaded with ‘stuff’- new socks, boxers, gum, jacket, and two CDs. Amongst my Mindy gifts was an iTouch, Bose dock, Brett Favre MV jersey, and wicking long john’s. Mindy was next. She got black & silver dangly earrings from the kids. In her stocking was a pair of ski socks and Dove chocolates. Her Jimmy gifts included a Brett Favre MV jersey, purple cordless mouse, purple ski helmet, and diamond hoop earrings. While the kids played with some of their new toys, Bella was sent to wake Uncle Glenn. He joined us a few minutes later. It must’ve been near 10am. We had all of Glenn’s gifts in a big gift bag – a ski helmet, gaiter, helmet liner, and mesh pack. We threw in a big bag of mini-Reese cups too. We had him try on the helmet, liner and gaiter for a photo op. Dressed & left for a Xmas run between 1030-11am. Ran 4 miles. While raining earlier, it stayed fairly dry for the run’s duration We planned to be at Mindy’s mom’s around 1pm. Dad left for home shortly after my return from a run. Mindy invited my mom and Glenn to join us at Gloria’s but they opted to stay at our place. It took us a while to get ready. Plus, we planned a brief gift exchange with Kenny & Chrissy down at their place before hand. We walked down to their house at 1pm. We weren’t there long – about 15 minutes. We headed for Gloria’s around 130pm Jody, Joe, and Lynne-Lynne were already there when we arrived. We expected others. Spent time looking for Gloria’s new ring, which she said fell off sometime in the last hour or two. Never did turn up. The kids opened their gifts around 3pm. They cleaned up – lots of clothes and cool toys By 4pm, those that were planning to attend had all pretty much arrived. Craig phoned early evening to wish everyone well from sunny Florida Like our place the day before, there was no formal meal served. Instead, it was self-service (ham, cheese, cookies, meatballs, sausages and drinks). One of my favorites was the chocolate fudge (no peanut butter). Everyone opened their gifts by 5-6pm. We headed upstairs for the traditional icebox cookies afterwards. I had two helpings. Ugh! Mindy and I started gathering our things for departure around 715pm. While doing so, we noticed that the carpet in the back bedroom was soaking wet. Not good! I advised Mindy not to tell her mom – didn’t want to upset her. Turns out, she already knew. I loaded the Honda with our huge Xmas haul. It was raining again. There was hardly room for anyone or anything else. Thought we might have to leave a kid.  We headed home at 730pm. I really needed to walk Ykraps. I doubted Glenn would think to do it. We arrived home just before 8pm. Carried in all the Xmas packages Walked Ykraps in the rain. Tucked the kids into bed at 9pm Poured Jack & Coke Glenn, Mindy & I watched Hangover – very funny