Christmas Celebration at home

Had a wonderful day with my family. After a leisurely breakfast, Shaun read the story of the birth of Jesus and then, we opened presents...for almost 4 hours. Not that there were that many presents - there weren't. We just take our time and relax. Open the stocking gifts one person at a time. Open the other gifts one at a time. We stop and try out anything electronic. Take a few eating breaks. Bathroom breaks, etc. There's no hurry. After clearing up the room, we had lunch and played games. There was much laughter and great memories were made today.  We missed Carly, but she is currently not wanting to communicate with us and we are respecting her wishes as she finds her way in the adult world. 

Respecting Andi and Shaun's wishes, this Mamaw did not buy any toys for their kids, except for a huge box of craft stuff (which was pre-approved.) What they did get, in addition to clothes and such things are certificates for fun. We will be going horseback riding, going on the Louisville Belle riverboat cruise and tripping down to Mammoth Cave for an underground adventure.

The kids also each got coupons for their choice of individual fun adventures. Some of the choices included going skating, bowling, going to the movies, laser tag, golfing, making pottery, taking a painting class, going to a play and several others. Each card also included the option of just going on a surprise day that I would plan for us.

Part of what took us so long to open our gifts was talking about the trips and all the choices they had. Then we took a secret poll over which choice we thought the kids would choose. We all missed Sophie. I thought she would choose Painting with a Twist. Nope. She chose a surprise day. Paige chose skating with a friend. Keegan is leaning toward surprise day and Peyton is undecided. Ben won't be going on the day trips with them, so he got a special card with three special dates for us to enjoy together. I'm going to enjoy their

Christmas fun with Mamaw all year long.

For as long as I can remember, every time Jacob would get his hands on my phone, he would change my screensaver to a picture of Nicholas Cage. I have had Nicolas Cage in dozens of photos. My personal favorite is Picolas Cage. It hasn't arrived yet, but the kids bought me a couch throw with Mr. Cage on it. They are all weird. The kids-not couch throws.

I am also getting a mysterious gift that will appear via clues and items mailed to me over the next several months.  That is something we are all looking forward to - it should be a blast. 

😃