Six Christmases

Yes, SIX. They're over now, and we can relax. Just a quick recap of Christmas...

It started on Thanksgiving. DH's dad and stepmom were leaving for Arizona soon after to spend the winter in their RV (lucky!) so they had a gathering we have come to refer to as ThanksChristmas. All of the stepmom's kids (minus one) made it up, with their families, DH's Grandma and Grandpa, and us. We had a nice big meal, lots of presents, lots of chatting it up with Grandma (good times!). Then we hopped on his dad's Kubota drove around a bit, then stopped to set up a target so I could shoot my gun. Yep, MY gun. My mom has this .22 rifle that has been sitting in her closet forever, so when we helped her clean out the closet there it was, a little dusty, but still in good condition. She offered to let me 'hold on to it' since we have a gun cabinet. But really, now it's MY gun. :) Anyway, turns out I'm a pretty good shot. So that was Christmas #1.

Christmas #2 was with DH's mom, brother and his wife and us. And the dogs. Brother's little chihuahua tried to hump my dog all night...and they're both male dogs. So yeah, Tippy's a gay chihuahua. Anyway, more good food, good booze, good presents (my Mother-in-law is an awesome gift-giver!). Then Brother-in-law and wife came to our house and crashed for the night. My husband and his brother were up til 230 in the morning just talking and laughing! We had a great time.

Christmas #3 was the next day at DH's Grandma's house, with all his aunts, uncles and cousins and their kids even. Once again, LOTS of food, lots of presents (it's fun to watch little kids open gifts), and lots of chit-chatting.

Christmas #4 was Christmas Eve at my mom's for her side of the family. All my aunts, uncles and cousins (and most of their kids). More food, even more presents (my mom has 7 siblings), and lots of attention on my cousin's new baby, born in September. Absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait till it's my baby they're all gushing over. :)

Christmas #5 was Christmas Day. Me and DH opened our presents to each other, and i must say he did well! We were both very pleased with our gifts. Later in the morning we headed back to mom's for brunch, then LOADS of presents! Watching my nephew open his presents this year was so fun for all of us. His expressions are priceless. :) My mom too is a good gift-giver and got me a new printer and a device that lets me plug in my MP3 player to my radio and listen to it in the truck. So cool. That was one looooong day.

Last, but certainly not least, was Christmas #6. For the last 2 years we have celebrated with my dad's side at Grandma's little apartment. Well, in her building anyway. There is a big common dining area and lounge area where we had our dinner, then opened presents. Grandma was in high spirits and very talkative! Once my cousin B warmed up we chatted just like old times. And it was really wonderful to see her brother, my cousin M who I had not seen since August of last year, right before he went to Iraq. He was only there til April, but I'm sure he saw more than he cared to. It just wasn't Christmas last year without him. It's good to have him home. :)

So that was our 6 Christmases. This was the 5th Christmas DH and I have shared together and probably one of the best. :) God Bless!