Well, it's that time of year again! Christmas is winding down and family is returning to their homes. It's starting to get a little bit quiet and the routine starts again tomorrow. We truly are blessed to have such an incredible family and we did have a wonderful Christmas, despite the obvious void felt by us all. Each year we spend Christmas Eve with Steves side of the family and have a big dinner and open gifts. My mother in law asked me what the plan was for Christmas morning and just out of habit I said "mom and dad will come over early watch the kids open gifts"... Though he's gone, he's still so very much here. Several traditions in our family have been centered around Dad. Dad would say "the prayer", Dad would serve communion to our family, Dad would divide up his Christmas bonus and share it with us. He wasn't a perfect man and if he were here, he would absolutly be the first to tell you that. But he was a good man, a hard worker, a great dad and a FANTASTIC grandpa. And Christmas was just not the same without him. I had a really hard day despite all the efforts of my sweet husband and kids. No ones fault. I just miss him so much. That being said, he would have been really ticked that I was sulking at all... So, let's get to the good stuff.
As I said Christmas Eve was at Steves parents house with his sister and her family. The bigger kids all got Nintendo DS's and I don't know why we didn't buy them before. They were literally entertained for HOURS! They were so quiet - it was unreal!! I highly recommend them for any stressed out parents! LOL.
Christmas morning, the kids got up and opened presents with Nana, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kathy. And I have to say, Santa was VERY GOOD to mommy this year!! Bas got a bb gun and several games and hats and sweatshirts and lego toys etc etc. Savannah got a 'Reborn Doll', new bed, lots of clothes, boots, a purse, and Aunt Kathy made a sign for her to use in her room that says "Miss Savannah's Classroom" accompanied by lots of school stuff.
The family came over for brunch and we opened "grandkids gifts" and then headed out to Steve's aunts house for another get together.
Saturday we had the Anderson family Christmas at moms and I'll share some pictures from that.
Anderson Family
Poppy & Gram
Anderson "originals" (or as Bas says "The OLD FOLKS")
Steve, Steph, Bas, Savannah, Mom, Kathy & Jeff
Mark, Lynette, Jordan, Kelsey & Caleb
Mike, Debbie, Shane & Shaun
Jim and Mavonne
Sabastian's "RAZORBACK BOX" (Don't laugh, it's not easy to make a Hog) 
Savannah's "LION BOX"
Marri's "MICROPHONE BOX"
Mason's "TWILIGHT BOOK BOX"
