Christmas is no small affair in the Harston Household. It all starts Christmas Eve. This year, we had 47 people. We met at Uncle Tom and Aunt Vera's at 6 for dinner. Yes, we all eat dinner together. We had rolls, ham, cheese, tons of salads, etc. Then we all came over to my parent's house for the program. We had a table full of desserts over here that we munched on while we sang Christmas Songs, read Christmas Stories, and chimed the chimes. (If I remember, I'll attach a video :) ) After the cousins all left, we loaded up the stockings, worked on puzzles, and wrapped some last minute gifts. After the adults got to bed around midnight, the kids decided waking up at 5:30 was a good idea. (This is the new time they wake up almost daily. You think I'd get used to it but I'd prefer they chance their schedule. That's a whole other post...) After everyone else woke up around 6:30, we did the Harston Tradition and after getting dressed met up in Mom and Dad's bedroom. Dad spoke with us a little bit then offered prayer. Then we lined up Youngest to Oldest and all went out to get our stockings. Then, one at a time, we open presents... It was awesome :) I love it!
I'm sitting here on the laptop working on this blog while 4 people are playing "Stone Age" a couple people are playing new games on the Wii with several young spectators. Brayden and Grandpa are napping, and a couple other people are munching on goodies in the kitchen. I love the magic of Christmas. This day is unlike any other and I embrace it! I love the calmness amidst the chaos...although everyone is busy, there is a peace and a love felt that is magic.
We got spoiled this year. The boys especially...they got tons of clothes, toys, games, books, a digital keyboard, etc. I got a new jacket, boots, CD's, a bluetooth, a couple necklaces, running shirt, etc. Sean got cologne, a couple shirts, a tie, a beanie, and a few other small things. We are all in a sugar-induced stupor as we spent 2 days baking endless amounts of desserts and Christmas Treats. Sean and I smoked a turkey and we've been munching on that. Oh man, I could go on about the greatness of these 2 days but I'll stop now and start posting pictures... I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!! Oh, and what's awesome? It's a crisp, clear day, with bright blue sky and green grass and it's gorgeous...just super cold! Okay...NOW onto the pictures...
I'm sitting here on the laptop working on this blog while 4 people are playing "Stone Age" a couple people are playing new games on the Wii with several young spectators. Brayden and Grandpa are napping, and a couple other people are munching on goodies in the kitchen. I love the magic of Christmas. This day is unlike any other and I embrace it! I love the calmness amidst the chaos...although everyone is busy, there is a peace and a love felt that is magic.
We got spoiled this year. The boys especially...they got tons of clothes, toys, games, books, a digital keyboard, etc. I got a new jacket, boots, CD's, a bluetooth, a couple necklaces, running shirt, etc. Sean got cologne, a couple shirts, a tie, a beanie, and a few other small things. We are all in a sugar-induced stupor as we spent 2 days baking endless amounts of desserts and Christmas Treats. Sean and I smoked a turkey and we've been munching on that. Oh man, I could go on about the greatness of these 2 days but I'll stop now and start posting pictures... I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!! Oh, and what's awesome? It's a crisp, clear day, with bright blue sky and green grass and it's gorgeous...just super cold! Okay...NOW onto the pictures...
Lisa & Quinn
Brayden saying "Cheese!"
Lance & Brayden
Dog Pile!
Heather Rae
Paul
Me and Heather
A portion of the crew watching the Christmas Program
Isaias and Jennifer
Darling Grandma
Kayla, Heidar, Lance, Cadence singing to us
The kids singing "Once there was a Snowman"
Sean and Me
Christmas morning
Yancey and Grandma
the Glen Harston crew...minus Natalie, Stephen, and his family (We missed you!!!)
Brayden with his new beanie
Asher with his new Beanie
Our amazing, wonderful, fantastic parents!!
The kids and their new keyboard from G&G
Heather and Baby Paul
Scott & Rett
My new jacket (Thanks Mom & Dad!)
Asher and his new pjs. I'm pretty sure I was more excited! I got that 2 pack for $3! Go me :)
Scott reading his "oops...I left your gift in Marysville" present from Lisa
Tyce and his new yo-yo
A reading his new book
Kyle and his new gun
Asher just chillin...playin with a box.
The garbage pile
The Loot (I told you we got spoiled!)
The ravenous bunch eating orange rolls, sticky buns, and breakfast casserole.
I'm still stuffed.
