This post will be picture heavy with a brief overview of our visiting. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas, we have certainly had a blessed one!
First up, we spent last Monday night and Tuesday with Daniel's mom and sister. Then Tuesday night we headed over to Daniel's dad's house for dinner.
Christmas Eve was a quick trip to Nashville to spend with Daniel's mom, sisters and family. Jack got spoiled and ate up all of the attention. This is his last year as the only kid in the Moore family since we are having #2 in April and one of Daniel's cousins is expecting in March.
Christmas morning we had the luxury of sleeping in. I am guessing this is the last year we have this opportunity since Jack is becoming more cognitive of Christmas and presents.
Once Jack was awake, we started our day with our traditional breakfast of sausage pinwheels while we opened stockings.
After breakfast, Jack opened his presents. We are continuing with our tradition of four gifts: something you want, something you need, something to build and something to read.
Jack took his time opening each gift and wanted to assemble and play with each item after it was opened. This meant his four presents took over an hour to open. I savored my coffee while watching Daniel and Jack assemble everything.
Christmas afternoon was lazy while we waited for my brother, Mark, and Daniel's sister, Emily, to arrive. We all went together to a Hibachi Grill for dinner. This has been our tradition over the last five years and we really enjoy it. This year Jack loved the performance of the chef (last year it scared him and made him cry).
After we had our fill, we headed home for my traditional hot chocolate and more visiting. Jack loved all of the extra attention from his aunt and uncle.
Friday my brother helped us clean our house. I love when he comes to visit!
Saturday we waited for the rest of my family to show up. My sister lives in Florida now and our parents live in Arkansas, so we only get together a couple of times of year and I cherish every moment.
Sunday morning the kids were all chomping at the bit to open their gifts. We held them off until everyone was up and moving.
After presents, I spent the morning in the kitchen preparing our Christmas dinner with my mom's help. We got out our china for the meal – I think this is the 4th time in 12 years of marriage that it has been used!
When we were sufficiently full of turkey, we took the opportunity to Skype my mom's family in Canada. They had 38 people gathered for Christmas. Sometimes it is hard to be so far away from everyone, but we were thankful that the 10 of us could be together.
For supper, we enjoyed homemade desserts.
Monday we took the family to the Tennessee Aquarium. The kids were tired, but troopers for the experience.
I haven't been able to go to my workouts over the last week because of company, but I did walk through the Aquarium twice in the course of a week.
Monday night we played Cranium. My family got to see a pregnant me jump around like a fool doing charades and our mom surprised us by singing like Elvis!
After Cranium we introduced the kids to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The boys were mesmerized.
Tuesday we said goodbye to the cousins and then today my parents and brother left. It has been a fun filled week. I think we will ring in the new year by relaxing at home and going to bed early.
Have a Happy New Year!
