Sunday, January 22, 2012

Christmas 2011: Christmas Day with Everyone

We met up with my parents and sister at their house, where we all opened stockings that Santa had left for us there (since he knows we are there so often ...).




Once all the stockings were opened, Mom read the kids a story ...


... then we headed to my grandparents' house!

It took a little while for everyone to arrive, but soon the house was filled with warmth and laughter


While people opened gifts, Bryson read a story to the kiddos.


Then it was their turn for the big gifts!  Baylor got a nearly-5-foot cardboard house he could play in and color; he was beyond geeked.


Mollie got a ladybug that turns into its own home, complete with a doorbell!


After all the gift opening was done, my dad started to prepare for bingo!  Mollie took that opportunity to check out some family photos.


And mosey around the room, of course.  It's so weird to see her nonchalantly strolling around the living room this year, when last year she was not yet walking.


Once things were all set up, bingo commenced.  Mollie took it upon herself to sit by Katie and "help" her.


My cousin Mindy rocked the over-the-top Christmas sweater this year!


And Baylor was more than happy to help Grandpa E with all the letters and numbers.


Grandma and Grandpa played as usual, and Grandpa even won the grand prize!


With these two coaching him, Baylor will be a bingo star in no time!


Steve was the first winner, I believe ...


(You just never know what you're going to get in one of those oddly-wrapped packages ...)


... and he got some pretty sweet stuff - burger maker, seasoning, and a Subway gift card in case he doesn't feel like cooking.


Baylor and Mollie both won and received special prizes chosen just for them.  Mollie got an Olivia t-shirt and was beyond delighted; Baylor got a Baylor University t-shirt with "BAYLOR" written across the chest and was so upset that he burst into tears.  I wish I knew what was going to upset him from moment to moment.  *sigh*


Oma's sugar cookies calmed him down a bit, and he was able to relax and enjoy watching others win.



Until all of a sudden the kids got their second wind ... ah woo hoo!


We all had a lot of fun (save Baylor's brief emotional outburst) and everybody walked away with at least one prize.  Just look at those smiling faces!


We left earlier than usual because the kids just can't be up too late these days, but we still had loads of fun.  Mollie is still asking to see "GG" and "Buh-pa" (my grandma and grandpa) almost a month later!  Can't get much better than your kids just wanting to spend time with family.

Though this is much belated, I hope you all had a wonderful, warm, enjoyable holiday season!

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