It's Xmas!!!

Our Family to Yours, Merry Xmas!!

It was just after 715a, and like most others days, I was the first one up. Merry Xmas Jimmy! I brushed my teeth and gathered my running clothes then headed downstairs for exercise and coffee. I started a pot of Starbucks then completed my sit-ups. Instead of computer time, I shifted into Santa mode going to the basement for the rest of Mindy's gifts that were stashed between several large boxes. I had two Xmas cards for her too, One I've had stashed for the last three Xmases. The sun was just coming up in a clear sky. We received about an inch of fresh snow the night before. Perfect! It was cold, too, about 20 degrees. I took Frankie out next. She was quick to take care of business. Neighbor Mike O. was out back with Emily & Evan pulling them around on what looked like a snow board. I walked over to say hello. Turns out the snow board was one of Evan's Xmas gifts. When Frankie and I headed back inside, Mindy and the kids were up and about ready to open gifts. Mindy opened the front door to signal that we were open for business just in case my dad drove by. Turns out, he was just pulling up out front. Good timing. Now near 830a, everyone was up save for brother Glenn. We started opening gifts. The kids went first moving through their boxes at a fairly quick pace. There weren't nearly as many as in years past, but I have a strong feeling that Santa dropped a pretty dime on what they hauled in. Jacob unwrapped a 32" LCD TV, a lava lamp, a new sled, and a mesh ski pack. In his stocking he found all sorts of goodies like an LED flashlight, a can of anti-Justin Bieber spray, and a hair brush. Bella opened got an American Girl doll with numerous accessories. In addition, she got a 3/4 sized Yamaha acoustic guitar, a new sled, and mesh ski pack. The kids made out pretty well. Mindy and I opened gifts after the kids were done. The kids gifted Mindy some special charms for her Pandora bracelet - a sterling silver pug and a family of four on a ski lift. In addition, Mindy got new purple ski goggles, two new sports bras, pajamas, purple Longaberger dishes, and a purple mesh ski pack. Santa didn't forget me either. I got new ski goggles, running socks and gloves, Sarah McLachlan CD, and some bright green Grinch PJs. We gave Dad his gift on Friday, Anthony Thomas candy and a Bob Evans gift card. Glenn was up before the gift exchange ended. He opened last. Glenn got three long sleeved cotton t-shirts (red, black, and gray), two wicking mocks for skiing, and a new pair of ski socks. Glenn gifted us last. We got a home brew kit along with the ingredients to make oatmeal stout. Cool! Something I've always wanted to try. As the gift opening wound down, Mindy baked cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole. I didn't plan to eat any until I was back from my run. Now almost 10am, it was time to head out for my Xmas run. I slipped into my usual winter attire and headed out. The only new addition being sun glasses. Because it was Saturday, I ran only three miles. It was a nice comfortable run on a cushion of new snow. I had to be extra careful, however, as there were numerous icy stretches hiding under freshly fallen snow. I was back at home by 1030a, and the breakfast casserole was just being served. Mindy poured mimosas too. The adults drank those, even dad had one. After breakfast, the kids headed out back to play in the snow along with the neighbors and their new sleds. Looked like they were having a really good time. We planned to be at Mindy's mom's somewhere near 2p. Leading up to our departure, the middle day went fast. I used the time to organize more of my ski gear for our Sunday morning trip. Mindy invited Glenn to join us at Gloria's, but he opted instead to remain at our place alone catching up on personal matters. We loaded up a huge box of gifts and a carton full of wine, beer, and rum, and Frankie then headed out just ahead of 2p. I called Ashley in route to Gloria's to see how their Xmas was going at Rosemary & Al's. Sounded like everyone was having fun. Good! I guess Kelly and Lindsey were playing well for the time being. As is tradition at Gloria's, Xmas was celebrated on the lower level with a modest spread of food on the one side and the family gathered on the other. Mindy mixed she & I a rum and eggnog. It was strong but tasty. We waited for all of Mindy's siblings to arrive before beginning the gift exchange. Everyone was present by 245p. We started the gifting right away. I had a second rum drink only this time on ice. Good! As usual, the kids cleaned up. Gloria gifted me two black sweaters and black socks. Perfect! Mindy got a purple sweater and scarf. Again, keeping with tradition, there wouldn't be a formal dinner. Instead, we simply snacked on the many available appetizers. Around 630p we headed upstairs for the traditional icebox cookies and two games of Apples to Apples. We had a fun time playing Apples to Apples. I think there were 11 of us playing. I suggested we head home sometime just before 8p. We still had lots of preparation to do ahead of our scheduled 6am departure. Glenn was sitting quietly at the kitchen table upon our return. We quickly carried in the Xmas haul then immediately switched gears to ski vacation mode. Mindy, the kids and I carried Frankie and her pen down to Chrissy & Kenny's around 930p. They agreed to keep her in our absence. We didn't stay long. I was super tired and still had a little packing to do. Three days of go-go-go and drinking were catching up to me. I felt like I could collapse. Aside from our ski gear, we agreed to pack simple. For me, however, I still had to pack a multitude of gear (running, skiing, and casual). That always takes some doing because I have to create a running kit for departure day that doesn't include any of my packed running gear assuring it remains fresh in my pack. Oh boy! I think it was 11p when I finally headed to bed. But like I guessed might happen, I had a difficult time falling asleep. Too wired!