Christmas come and gone

I can't believe Christmas is over already! It went way too fast. I guess time flies when you're having fun. And boy, we had a fabulous Christmas!
Christmas Eve we went to Gary's parents house and had a family Christmas party - complete with dinner and presents. I made Gary's parents one of my family trees and they really liked it. The boys each got a book and stuffed animal from Granny and Opa. Gary's mom surprised his dad with a laptop. Ans Craig, Cathy & Michael surprised her with a Mother's ring. It was so fun. The boys had a ball playing with their cousins (read: running around the house like wild Indians) and sliding down the basement stairs. It was a great evening with family.
At home we let the boy's open their Christmas jammies, read them a Christmas book or two, and put their magic reindeer food out on the lawn to attract Santa's reindeer. We set out cookies and 'nog for Santa and got them into bed. I think they were asleep within two minutes. Gary and I finished up our Christmas preparations, and headed for bed. We actually got there before midnight!
Christmas morning we woke the boys up at 8 am. I love that they are still small enough that the Christmas alarm clock hasn't kicked in yet. Dan was so excited when he woke up and just started chattering, asking if Santa had come. The door to their bedroom opens right up to the living room, where Santa had dumped all of his goodies. They were so excited to see he had come. Dan and Jack opened all their gifts and loved everything. Evan needed some help, but was quite please with his gifts (I think.) Daniel got his most-asked for Handy Manny doll (with tools). Jackson got a hammering bench (we're trying to save wear and tear on our walls!). Santa made a mistake only bringing one Handy Manny though, a problem we're trying to remedy. Jackson and Daniel both love him and want to play with him at the same time. Santa brought everyone nice gifts. The boys gave Papa the camping axe he had wanted and I got a new FoodSaver and a desperately needed pair of church shoes. We also got a wheat grinder that Gary is very excited about. We've already used it three times since Christmas. We've made fry bread, wheat crackers and cream of wheat.
After opening gifts Gary's parents came over and we had a nice breakfast of cinnamon rolls, sausage and scrambled eggs. It was a nice, relaxed morning. After Gary's parents left we tried to get a nap, though Jack & Dan never did go to sleep. After the non-nap we got ready and headed over to my parents house. We had a yummy ham dinner then opened gifts. Dan & Jack each got a Leapster from Grandma & Grandpa and boy, do they love them! Daniel has already figured out how to work it and loves playing it. I am afraid we'll have to start limiting the time he spends on it already. Jackson loves his too, though he hasn't figured it out quite to the extent that Dan has yet.
Shelly and Jeff came with their kiddos and we all got to hold the baby. She is so sweet and tiny. I was glad that holding her didn't make me baby hungry - I don't think I could handle another one right now! Or within the next year for that matter.
In the end it was a great Christmas - not too much stuff, no rushing around, and we got to spend it with our families which is the best part!