Christmas Fever!
Well, there are two reasons for the above title. The first being that all 5 of us were sick through Christmas!!! I told Brad I think is the first time I can remember being sick on Christmas. Brylee and Brock had fevers just before Christmas. All of us had runny noses, coughs and congestion. No fun!
The second reason for the title is with our Pre-Christmas Christmas being over just days prior, we had yet another set of Neeley's come to visit. The North Carolina Neeley's (Brad's parents Brian and Carol) came to see us for Christmas. So many Christmas parties, so many things to do!
Brian and Carol joined us just a couple days before Christmas. First thing on the agenda- FINISH Christmas Shopping! We gave them a list of the kids toys they would like and off we all went to the stores. I distracted the kiddos with other things, while Brad helped his parents make the present decisions. There were multiple trips to different stores, but we finally got it taken care of. We usually do not shop this late, but with moving and getting the house ready, time got away from us this year. I plan to be more on top of it next year!
I spent a lot of time working as well. With the holidays and retail, time off is just not an option. We were able to have a couple lovely dinners together though. We spent a lot of time at the house. Brian and Carol played all kinds of games and with the new toys the kiddos received.
They also joined us on our usual tradition of going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This year, for the first time we decided to go to St. John (which is also Brayden's school). Their mass started at 10pm instead of midnight (probably better for us since the boys were exhausted and us adults were pretty tired ourselves :)). Brad, the kids and I had been at my parent's house just prior to mass for the annual Kraus Christmas Party. We raced home to gather up the Neeleys and head to mass. The mass was lovely and interesting all at the same time. Father picked up a guitar and serenaded us! I thought it was pretty great of him. He had an awesome message, and though I had to focus on Mr. Brock and Brayden a lot throughout the service, I think I got the important parts.
The second reason for the title is with our Pre-Christmas Christmas being over just days prior, we had yet another set of Neeley's come to visit. The North Carolina Neeley's (Brad's parents Brian and Carol) came to see us for Christmas. So many Christmas parties, so many things to do!
Brian and Carol joined us just a couple days before Christmas. First thing on the agenda- FINISH Christmas Shopping! We gave them a list of the kids toys they would like and off we all went to the stores. I distracted the kiddos with other things, while Brad helped his parents make the present decisions. There were multiple trips to different stores, but we finally got it taken care of. We usually do not shop this late, but with moving and getting the house ready, time got away from us this year. I plan to be more on top of it next year!
I spent a lot of time working as well. With the holidays and retail, time off is just not an option. We were able to have a couple lovely dinners together though. We spent a lot of time at the house. Brian and Carol played all kinds of games and with the new toys the kiddos received.
They also joined us on our usual tradition of going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This year, for the first time we decided to go to St. John (which is also Brayden's school). Their mass started at 10pm instead of midnight (probably better for us since the boys were exhausted and us adults were pretty tired ourselves :)). Brad, the kids and I had been at my parent's house just prior to mass for the annual Kraus Christmas Party. We raced home to gather up the Neeleys and head to mass. The mass was lovely and interesting all at the same time. Father picked up a guitar and serenaded us! I thought it was pretty great of him. He had an awesome message, and though I had to focus on Mr. Brock and Brayden a lot throughout the service, I think I got the important parts.
Christmas Day was a blast! The boys woke up just before 8am and could not wait to open presents! They were so excited to see what Santa had brought them and put under the tree. Between Santa's gifts and the ones from Brian and Carol, the living room was filled. I would say they had an excellent Christmas.
After Christmas morning and afternoon at our house, we once again headed to my parent's house for our Christmas with them and my sister and her family. Many more presents were exchanged and we had a great time visiting with them as well. Once all the present opening festivities were finished, we headed back home for a turkey dinner on our wedding China for the second time ever. I am still so nervous about it, I only allow the main plates to be used :).
With Christmas over and done we enjoyed a couple more days with Brian and Carol before they headed back home. The kids had a great time keeping them busy. We had a wonderful time with them. They spoiled the kids, but hey what are grandparents for right!?!
We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to both sides of our family for a wonderful Christmas. It flew by, but we enjoyed our time spent with all of you. We also enjoyed our gifts ;). Can't wait to see if we get visitors again next year. We hope all our friends and family enjoyed their Christmas' with their families as well. Here is to a New Year 2011, may it be a GREAT one!!!
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