What a Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, we went over to my grandfathers house and had a fantastic time. I definitely miss the years where ALL of my aunts, uncles, and cousins would be together, but it was still a great time. The new generation:

Cousins Sofia and Mia- Chatting

 AJ and the girls- Mia, Sofia, Gabriella, and Gianna

After spending time with the fam, we made a quick stop at Walmart. The kids requested Lunchables, so we agreed. Plus, we needed to buy cookies since we didn't have any in the house (shocker, huh?). Cash out, home, eat, then ready for bed. After the kids went to bed, we set up. Normally, we put the presents under the tree as we wrap, but because Gianna is into everything, we didn't. 

 

The tree before     .....     after our gifts     .....     after Santa came.

            What a polite Santa!!

We had a few meltdowns. First thing Christmas morning, AJ had a fit. I can't remember what it was about, but it involved a lot of screaming, quite a bit of stomping, and some "THIS IS THE WORST CHRISTMAS EVER!". This was before presents were even opened. There are so many meltdowns and outbursts, that I don't remember what each and every one was specifically about, but I think that this one was because I told him he has to eat before we open gifts. Either way, it was uncalled for, and delayed present opening for an additional 10 minutes. After he calmed down, we ate then opened gifts.

After presents, they picked up ... sort of. Toys and clothes were brought to their room. Sofia immediately went ahead and painted her nails. AJ started up with his Nerf guns. Santa brought 2 for him, and we bought him another 2. That means that all of us (except for G), can play together! And that's what we did. Anthony, AJ, and I went after each other with the guns. Gianna played with her giraffe, and her books. Until she saw us laughing, and she wanted in on it. So, she stole a dart and started eating it. Yeah, not good. They were put back in his room after that. Gianna played on her new bouncy horse (daddy got in on the fun too, as you can see in the pic). A great time was had by all. After that, we went to the in-laws so the kids could open their gifts from her. At that point, my phone refused to open the camera, so I didn't get any pics. After fooling with it for a while, I was able to get it to work, but it was too late. They already opened their gifts. 

Gianna with uncle Chris          ....          All the kids with Grandma

After presents and dinner and some chit chat, Sofia and AJ stayed at Grandma's. They will be there until Friday. It's nice to see the kids spending time with Grandma and willingly wanting to go. It was a great Christmas, and I can't wait to do it all again next year. Only, this time, maybe I'll start my Christmas shopping earlier, have wrapping done earlier, and possibly put the gifts under the tree as we wrap. 

Stay tuned, as I'll be having 2 reviews coming up, and a giveaway as well!!! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!!