This is how it began this year...with an Elf on a Shelf (that Jon and I sometimes raced around at 6:00am to find a new place to sit), 2 little girls with lists that changed daily, and parents who wanted to make their Christmas dreams come true...
We started with our family Christmas. We would leave for Grandma Dawn's in the morning, so we made Christmas dinner and opened presents while it cooked. We played Christmas music in the background and took turns opening.
Caitlin was thrilled with the Hannah Montana guitar that Macy had picked out for her. Macy loved the Polly Pocket summer bus and getaway, and the girls thanked each other.
Once again, Caitlin's favorite moment was when we opened our presents. This year, her school set up a store for just kids to shop. We gave her money and she shopped all on her own! She picked out a flashlight keychain that said #1 Dad and a light up pen for Jon. For me, she choose a ring and a necklace that says MOM ROCKS on it. She was beyond proud and so excited for us to open - the spirit of giving was among us fully.I wore the necklace the next day - and she gleamed with pride.
When we arrived at Grandma Dawn's (after stopping at Target for items we'd forgotten), she had crafts ready to go for the girls. My mom's house looked amazing. I've always loved coming home for Christmas because she really decorates for Christmas quite well. It is always inviting and gets everybody in the spirit!
The little girls showed off their new slippers...
gave lots of hugs to Grandma in thanks...
and showed their surprise at every gift. This pile of gifts was enormous! I can't believe it even now sifting through the pictures! Kelly and Brian gave us their "haven't been used in awhile" Wii and the girls received Toy Story toys, clothes, jammies, Taylor Swift CD's, Blizzard Maker, ETC. and we received a front pocket wallet (Hee hee), purse, pizza pan, Red Lobster Gift Card, $, IPod Shuffle, ETC!
Grandma gave each of the girls matching owl pjs. They were so warm and comfy and definitely got used over the 3 nights in Iowa - BRRRRRRRRRRR!
As Caitlin and Grandma read a book, Macy tossled around like the ornary pants she is...I had to get a picture to prove her daily antics are truly daily.
On Christmas Eve Day, we set out for Grandma Phyllis'. I like to take pictures there because there is virtually no taking turns and opening here...it's a free for all and everyone just opens and tries to get through to give hugs and thank you's and shouts of "Oh, I love this!" to the one who gave it to you. I was lucky enough to capture this picture perfect Tiger Woods double fist pump by Caitlin who was either opening or giving or just basking in the joy of the Remsburg Christmas. Either one, it was a great shot.
The Remsburg Christmas was complete with the sock exchange, matching stocking gifts (and even for great grandkids this year), men's snack exchange and a kids' art exchange - but the best of all was being able to be together...
After Grandma Phyllis', we went to Grandpa and Grandma Rudy and Tootie's. It has been an annual tradition since I can remember to do Christmas morning breakfast of pancakes, all kinds of sausages, rolls, and egg dish. Kelly was Grandpa's assistant for many years, sometimes Emily, and others. I told Caitlin of the tradition, and she immediately volunteered herself as the assistant. One of my favorite pictures this year is the one of her and Grandpa discussing the flipping of the hot cakes. They tasted fabulous.
The girls loved that Grandma Tootie liked their piano playing and constant talking and they also loved the many Christmas hats and reindeer ears they could sport around and play Santa and reindeer! We were joined later on Christmas Day by Teri, Jere and Tommy and later Tim, Forrest and Lisa. We had an excellent time playing Up & Down the River and Cyclonopoly Christmas night while the kids enjoyed Despicable Me and Toy Story 3.
As I took this picture, I remember not only the joys this year has brought, but the joy I get in going from Christmas to Christmas. Each year we try to fit as many in as we can on each side every other year - it sounds and feels so busy, but I am always thankful we have such loving family to see on each side.
When we arrived at Grandma Dawn's (after stopping at Target for items we'd forgotten), she had crafts ready to go for the girls. My mom's house looked amazing. I've always loved coming home for Christmas because she really decorates for Christmas quite well. It is always inviting and gets everybody in the spirit!
The little girls showed off their new slippers...
gave lots of hugs to Grandma in thanks...
and showed their surprise at every gift. This pile of gifts was enormous! I can't believe it even now sifting through the pictures! Kelly and Brian gave us their "haven't been used in awhile" Wii and the girls received Toy Story toys, clothes, jammies, Taylor Swift CD's, Blizzard Maker, ETC. and we received a front pocket wallet (Hee hee), purse, pizza pan, Red Lobster Gift Card, $, IPod Shuffle, ETC!
Grandma gave each of the girls matching owl pjs. They were so warm and comfy and definitely got used over the 3 nights in Iowa - BRRRRRRRRRRR!
As Caitlin and Grandma read a book, Macy tossled around like the ornary pants she is...I had to get a picture to prove her daily antics are truly daily.
On Christmas Eve Day, we set out for Grandma Phyllis'. I like to take pictures there because there is virtually no taking turns and opening here...it's a free for all and everyone just opens and tries to get through to give hugs and thank you's and shouts of "Oh, I love this!" to the one who gave it to you. I was lucky enough to capture this picture perfect Tiger Woods double fist pump by Caitlin who was either opening or giving or just basking in the joy of the Remsburg Christmas. Either one, it was a great shot. The Remsburg Christmas was complete with the sock exchange, matching stocking gifts (and even for great grandkids this year), men's snack exchange and a kids' art exchange - but the best of all was being able to be together... After Grandma Phyllis', we went to Grandpa and Grandma Rudy and Tootie's. It has been an annual tradition since I can remember to do Christmas morning breakfast of pancakes, all kinds of sausages, rolls, and egg dish. Kelly was Grandpa's assistant for many years, sometimes Emily, and others. I told Caitlin of the tradition, and she immediately volunteered herself as the assistant. One of my favorite pictures this year is the one of her and Grandpa discussing the flipping of the hot cakes. They tasted fabulous.
The girls loved that Grandma Tootie liked their piano playing and constant talking and they also loved the many Christmas hats and reindeer ears they could sport around and play Santa and reindeer! We were joined later on Christmas Day by Teri, Jere and Tommy and later Tim, Forrest and Lisa. We had an excellent time playing Up & Down the River and Cyclonopoly Christmas night while the kids enjoyed Despicable Me and Toy Story 3.
As I took this picture, I remember not only the joys this year has brought, but the joy I get in going from Christmas to Christmas. Each year we try to fit as many in as we can on each side every other year - it sounds and feels so busy, but I am always thankful we have such loving family to see on each side.We will see Grandma and Grandpa Bishop in January - they flew to see Aunt Traci and Uncle Will in Oregon over Christmas and after the last 3-4 months of being in and out of hospitals - they deserved some rest and relaxation! We are excited to see them in January!
