I had finally gotten over a tough round of fever and yuck just in time for Christmas Eve. But I was still feeling a bit low energy as we kicked into hosting gear. All of our standards were out and ready as family began to arrive and fill the table with contributions to the feast. The cousins gathered and crammed together for an annual photo. Anthony was here but didn't participate. The comment that epitomized the picture " I didn't realize that this room had gotten so small." These kids are getting huge.
When everyone arrived we said grace and started eating. I went through last only to realize that the condiments and fruit were missing. I pulled them out but I think everyone ate dry sandwiches. Everyone still had a great time.
The younger kids exchanged gifts. It felt like a small group and next year technically two of the kids will be eligible for teenager exchange. The teens did their white elephant exchange in the basement simultaneously. Then the adults got a turn to sit down and open/steal gifts. My generation pitched in and finally printed and framed photos from my parents 40th Anniversary back in 2010. We realized that my dad didn't have many photos of my mom in the house and he really wished he did. So we framed a portrait of the two of them and then another large group photo of my Mom, Dad, their children and spouses. He was very grateful and per his sentimental style got a little teary.
It was fun and relaxed afternoon. As the crowd wound down, we visited with Steven and the Gaithersburg Jauquets. Then together we went to Mass at St. Mark's.
When we got home we cleaned up a bit then we gathered in the living room to open Colorado gifts and ornaments. the girls all loved their flannel shirts and were looking forward to playing the new games "Ticket to Ride" and "CodeName". We hung up the new ornaments and as Jim read stories to Johanna, we played a round of Harry Potter Code Name. As our evening went on Jim began to feel bad. He was getting what I had.
Jim woke up with a fever Christmas morning. But the girls still piled into our bed. somehow we got them to agree to a start time of 8:00 AM. Megan was up early and went in to wait it out with Johanna, who I think was still asleep. By 8:00 they were all in our room and we had a lackluster ABC game and hymn before heading into the living room. They were full of motivation to find the pickel.
Gifts were less abundant this year. Mostly because Emma had already gotten her futton, and Rachael and Megan were awaiting new phones yet to be picked out. Less unwrapping did leave us more time to hang around and play games. We had our breakfast and then cleared the table for the Ticket to ride game. Poor Jim was feverish and leaning back in the recliner. Johanna popped in and out, asking for treats as she played with toys.
The girls helped make pies and artichoke spinach bread to bring to my dad's for dinner. Jim was not any better and decided to stay at home and nap. We were sad to miss him.
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