We shared a traditional turkey dinner with our next-door neighbor, RJ. Becky made the feast, which included a turkey breast, sausage apple fennel dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed potatos, gravy, brussel sprouts, and a pumpkin pie. Carolyn's favorite part of the "feast" was the amount of whipped cream she was allowed to have on the pie!
On Christmas Eve, we opened a few gifts, including those from the Altman family. Thank you to Bill for the pajama pants; Steve wore a pair to bed last night. Thank you to Char for the gloves; they will go in the car to keep my hands warm this winter. Thank you to Hayley for the new purse and tights. Carolyn proceeded to put every gift she opened into her new purse and carried it around all night. From Harry and Carol, we thank you for the money, which will deposited into Carolyn's (and eventually, Elizabeth's) bank accounts. Some of it will be used to purchase our annual zoo membership, and more will be put toward the new wardrobe we our buying for our bedroom next week. The earrings have already made their debute; Carolyn slept with her new frosty doll and played for a long time with the cars; and Steve will be cozy and warm with his new shirt. Thank you to the Altmans.
The theme of the Tangeman (my mom's family) gift exchange was "homemade." Each person drew a name and had to make their gift, keeping their supply budget limited to $10. Carolyn made a picture frame ornament for Emerson, with a picture of her and him. I made Mark a batch of preserved lemons and real vanilla extract, with recipes for each. Steve made my dad some snacks, like peanut brittle, peppermint bark, and trail mix. These were my favorite gifts to give and receive. Carolyn received a pretty little bracelet, made by Angela, my cousin's girlfriend. Thanks Angela.
RJ brought us many gifts, including lots of arts and crafts supplies for Carolyn and some lace-up sewing cards, which entertained all of us. Thank you, RJ, we are thankful to have you as a neighbor and a friend!
As the night wore on, Carolyn was getting pretty tired, but wanted nothing to do with going to bed. So, we let her open one more gift, from my parents. Her new sleeping bag. She knew exactly what it was. I wish I had taken a video because she just kept screaming, "It's a sleeping bag. It's a sleeping bag." Immediately, she put on the new PJs from RJ and snuggled into her sleeping bag on the couch downstairs and fell asleep. We scooped her up and put her to bed a little later, after the kitchen was cleaned up.
I will have to update this later on, letting you know what time she finally wakes up for Christmas Day. It is almost 930 now, and I do not expect to hear her little feet for another hour or two. I am thinking I am going to curl up on the couch and watch "White Christmas" - my all-time favorite movie to watch over the holidays. Merry Christmas!
1 comment:
Great Pictures! Merry christmas.
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