Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday this year, so the boys were a little discombobulated about not going to Nola and Nopsi’s for dinner. But once I reminded them where we go for Christmas Eve dinner, they were totally on board. Biscuits for everyone!
We arrived at GW Fin’s just before 5:30pm. Our group was small this year: only the four of us, Nola, Nopsi, and AD#1. We had a really great dinner, thanks in part to manager Doug and waiter Nick.
Oh, and as we were gathering for our group picture, two guys at a nearby table said, “We could use some family like y’all.” So of course we invited them to pose with us. Too funny, especially when their wives came back from the bathroom to discover them in some random strangers’ family picture!
We stopped by Grandma’s cousin’s house for their annual party and then drove the boys by some neat lights before finally getting back home around 10pm.
They spread reindeer food out on the front lawn and then changed into their Christmas pajamas. They opened their books from us, and we opened their school gifts from them. Love these little traditions!
We tucked them into bed around 11pm and then got to work. Neither of them really wanted anything big this year, so Santa took the opportunity to bring them each a bike. Those were their main gifts, and we knew they wouldn’t be thrilled but it’s something they need to learn how to do!
Kenny and I crawled into bed after 1am, and everyone was up for the day before 8am. We took the boys’ customary picture at the top of the stairs and then let them down to discover what Santa had brought them. As I expected, their reactions to their new bikes was less than stellar, but at least they didn’t get upset or cry about it. They just sort of smiled and didn’t say anything.
One of the things Riley got was four bottles of glitter glue with which to make glitter slime. He insisted on making a batch that morning, so we whipped up black glitter slime before going over to Nola and Nopsi’s.
We did breakfast and presents at Nola and Nopsi’s per usual, and this year Uncle Jeff, Aunt E, Kate, and Luke were with us in the morning. The cousins had such fun opening all of their gifts, and they all loved their special surprise of a new swing outside.
After that we headed to Grandma’s Melody house for lunch and more presents. I also happened to fall asleep on the couch over there and subsequently took zero photos. Oops!
We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and we wish you the happiest of New Years.
Bring on 2018!
