Christmas 2009

On Christmas Eve, following the 6 p.m. church service, we went to the Hunters' open house. This has become an annual tradition for us, because we always have a great time. We walked a few blocks to a nearby cul-de-sac where the houses could win awards with their decorating, to see Santa Claus one last time before he makes his deliveries. Abigail is no longer afraid of Santa, especially if he gives her a candy cane. It was pretty cold outside - check out Santa's John Deere gloves! Back at Grandma & Grandpa Hunters', everyone was assigned a verse of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Frances joined Heather and Renae in "Five Golden Rings," and Abigail and I were "Ten Lords a Leaping." Afterwards, we had a fun time visiting and catching up with folks that we don't see very often. We left the party at 10 p.m., and all were in bed by about 11:00.

On Christmas morning, Frances was up shortly after 6! We woke Abigail, who was not interested until Frances said that Santa had brought presents. The girls got small gifts in their stockings (which were made by Gramma B, Fran's in needlepoint, and Ab's in cross-stitch) and opened the presents from the jolly old elf. Then we drove out to my parents' house (about an hour away). Both girls slept during the drive! At Gramma and Grampa B's, we opened gifts from family and friends. Gramma and Grampa cooked a delicious steak dinner, and Frances found the original version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" on television. We left there about 4 p.m., and again, both girls slept on the drive. It was a long day, but lots of fun.