christmas eve 2010

EVERYONE SLEEPS IN

The "inn" was full for the night! All beds and couches taken. I remember the last time that happened - everyone in the house came down with the flu - ALL at the same time! Luckily, all was well this time. Everyone was in a relaxed state-of-mind and slept in until after 8:30 a.m. - even the kid-os. Schuyler stayed behind doing school-stuff and drove up later in the day.

HEADED TO CABIN - LUNCH BY 12 NOON

Ashley and Whitney were in charge of lunch for the afternoon and cooked in the kitchen before heading up to the cabin. Bob, Cortney, Cam and Whit loaded everyone up in their cars including Grandma and headed north. I stayed behind as I need to wait for the UPS man who came early in the afternoon - Cameron was expecting a last minute package for Leah - he finally showed up and I was excited to head north myself.

DOG SITTERS

The only way our "Christmas" could happen was to hire (2) dog sitters - Tyler and Blake - both neighbor boys who really do well with dogs. The interesting thing was we had (5) dogs in our home (((((yep, you heard it))))) - it's just a darn good thing they all got along and knew each other! We paid Tyler Christensen and Blake Adams to come in 3-4 times per day to let the dogs out and make sure they were fed and watered. This was the only thing that kept me from 'loosing it' and basically . . . I had NO choice!!!

So many fun things going on - just so I don't forget:

• We had a fun Christmas eve
• Kids were 'off the charts' happy with the play rooms
• Shade brought snow machine up and unloaded
• Temperatures were unbelieveably frigid-cold (double-digets below zero most of the time)
• Preparations for Christmas Eve dinner going - turkey, potato casserole and all trimmings
• White elephant gift exchange put on for kids by Tyler and Nicole - it was so much fun for everyone. Especially generous for Tyler and Nicole - they love kids.
• White elephant for adults as well but was done on Christmas day - super funny!
• Christmas story read and kids put on annual play - costumes and all. Super cute.
• Bob and I head home to take care of dogs and wrap presents - super stressed!
• To bed super-late and up super-early to head back to cabin at 6 a.m.
• When we got back most everyone was still in bed (what!)
• It was -15 to -20 outside - burrrrrr!