...the Christmas rush is through

Christmas Eve we met all the family up at my Dad's cemetary. We sang, and ate cherry chocolates like we always do and then it was off to Mom and Doug's house for Christmas dinner. I wish I would have taken more pictures, it's just when I know other people have their cameras I don't think I need to take pictures. I had Martin take this picture of the kids table, and then my camera was put away for the rest of the night. Sara and Gayla have pictures though.

We did Christmas a little different this year. We drew names and did a food storage Christmas. Sam drew my name and got me cream of chicken soup, rice, and egg noodles. Then we did a one dollar gift and she got me a Strawberry Shortcake poster. She was SOO excited about it because she picked it out herself. It was really cute! Brandon got Martin bread, cheese and pop. (that's all he eats I swear.) and a big mug for his dollar gift. The food came in handy on Christmas when we had no food in the house and everywhere was closed.

For Mom and Doug's gifts for us this year, Mom had put together an emergency kit for all of us. We all got a big bucket with our names on them, with water and a packaged 72 hours kit with meals and everything and then she passed out lots of other things to go in it. Crank flashlights, two way radios for each family, first aid kits, extra bandaids, ponchos, emergency blanket, glow sticks, hand and feet warmers, survival whistle, nylon cord, hand sanitizer, cups, paper, pencils. She also gave small toys and games for the kids, and activity books, dice and cards to the adults. I loved this gift, I haven't made a 72 hour kit for us so it's really nice to have. She put so much planning into it. It has to be one of my favorite gifts ever. She also gave everyone a nice illustrated hymn book, a glass pie plate with our last name etched onto it, and a can organizer.

This is what Puck got me for Christmas thanking me for going over to Seth's house and checking on him when Seth is at work.

This was the first Christmas for Martin and I alone in our own place. It was really nice. We got up and opened presents at 7:30. We look a little sleepy in these pictures in our Christmas pajamas.Abbi wasn't wanting to cooperate.
Martin's presents. His favorite gift--Nintendo DS. He's been playing it a ton!
My presents. My favorite gift--My Ipod! I can't stop playing with it. I also loved Mamma Mia. I hadn't seen it yet, and I love it. I put the soundtrack on my Ipod and have been playing it almost nonstop. (I loved Martin's handwritten gift cards. "Martin's wonderful presents company. May redeem in Apple Ipod store." I laughed pretty hard.)

After we opened presents I went and had breakfast at Mom and Doug's while Martin waited for his family to call. A bunch of his family got together this year, and he got to talk to most of them on the phone. He was really upset that he missed out and couldn't be there. We're going to make it over there this year.

I hope you all had a great Christmas. I'll end now with a few random Abbi pictures that make me laugh.