then inside was another box for Alex, and then one for Jonathan and so on and so forth (not that Aaron is "so on" and Josh "so forth" but I just didn't want to type the whole thing out). That worked (said sarcastically)! In Josh's box was a clue for Joe to go find and then Alex and so on and so forth (no I didn't skip Jonathan.) The final clue led them to another box which they unwrapped together!Dave got a Wii!! I mean the boys got a Wii! They were thrilled!
They then unwrapped their presents from us... underwear, socks, books, "Mom always gives the same things!" and movies, games, toys "Dad gives the cool presents!" They needed socks and underwear in a bad way I promise! We headed over to Mom's for Fish Breakfast at about 2! We should really rename it Fish Late Lunch! My Grandmother's family came from Wales and it is a Welsh tradition to have Fish on Christmas. Much to my husbands dismay. He often tries to convince us that he was from Italy and we should have pizza or something better than FISH! Unfortunately the boys agree with me!
We opened presents and went to Grandma's for fun with the extended family. After about an hour it started snowing in earnest so we had to cancel going to Mark and Brittneys for the Rollins family party. We missed seeing all of them and the fun there. We did follow Mitch home to make sure his car load got home safely. There was quite a bit of slipping and sliding but everyone made it back safe and sound!
Lucky for us we got to go to Dave's parents the next night for another fun party. It was nice to visit with them and Nate and Paul also! We are lucky to have such a wonderful extended family to celebrate the holidays with every year!
(I forgot to take my camera to all the parties this year!) sorry!
For Christmas Eve we had a wonderful program put together by Sara who wasn't able to come because she got sick for Christmas this year! Haley and Alli kept it together and we had a terrific night although we missed Sara immensely. I know at some point we ate dinner but I can't tell you when exactly! We also had a talent show that started with Aaron, Jacob, Kass and Conner playing some songs on the piano. 
Then Josh played a number on the viola 
and 
Adam, Jonathan, Sam and Alex sang "The Christmas Song" by the Chipmunks. Very funny.
Then Ethan, Sam and Alex did performed "Once There Was a Snowman". 
Haley had them learn Jingle Bells on the chimes and they did a bang up job! 
The highlight of the talent show was Mitch and Jenn performing "B. Rad the Big-headed 
We opened the cousin gifts which was, of course, very exciting! 
Then the kids put on the Nativity and then we read from Luke 2. 
Joe was a little gray sheep who somehow got to ride on the Mitch Cow!
Afterwards we sang Christmas carols and waited for Santa to ring his bells. 
He rang them right on time and this year he left a sack full of presents on the porch. His little elves, we will call them, oh, um, lets see, Alli and Haley. These little elves had stolen, sneaked and borrowed wedding pictures from all the couples and put them into a beautifully bound book for each of us. The title page had a little thought from my dad about each couple. 
You can't read mine in this picture very well but it says: 
3.) Josh's Orchestra Concert! Wow, they sounded great! Even my mom was impressed! 
We then proceeded with our celebration by writing little notes and tying them to balloons. (I know it isn't 
Mitch can totally stuff an 8 year old. We are so proud! 
The Human Pretzel...
First we lined up so we could divide into teams! Cool line up, huh? Joe to Mitch!
Andrew totally got me here!
The laughter went on for a full 10 minutes. 
It kept springing back 
The first game his team won because the opposing team was distracted by not so much his athletic prowess but his outfit! Scary boy with hairy cleavage! 
B.Rad and Sara
Mitch and Haley 
Alli and Mom
Tricia and Brandon 
Jenn and Andrew
