Christmas 2009

So this year we made a big decision to do something we have never done before . . . We stayed home on  Christmas morning. I know, big deal, right? Well, we are very attached to our families, and since we were married at the tender age of 21 while still juniors at U of O, we transitioned from big family Christmas, apart, to TWO big family celebrations in one day. Many people are lucky enough to discover their respective families celebrate on different days, such as Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day. Not us. In fact, both families still do stockings on Christmas morning and feel like it's not Christmas if you're not all there. I don't mean to paint any of them in a negative light, because I really do get it. Why can't we be in two places at once? Or, as sick as this sounds, why can't one family conveniently a) not like us that much, or b) not be any fun to hang out with? Well, that is not the case. We love them all so much, and we enjoy spending time with them always.

This year of all years, I understand that our situation is precarious. Where will we live next year? Will Kevin get a job? Was this our last Christmas in this house we love so much? Suddenly it felt like the right year to start our own traditions. I mean, do we really want to find ourselves in another country next December having never been able to do this on our own? It would only make us feel that much more lonely and isolated.

Still, I was a bit worried. I had no idea if we would enjoy ourselves. I actually felt nervous about doing our own Christmas morning! As it turned out, I wasted my time. It was awesome! It felt right. It made me happy to start traditions for the very first time with our children. Plus, we spent about 4 relaxing and wonderful hours at each families' house. And by the end of the day, we both said it was probably the best Christmas we ever shared.

This was not staged. Kevin captured the exact moment the girls were "released" to the living room.

This was, count them, the THIRD outdoor sports-style jacket I tried on that day. Yeah, I really needed a jacket and both Kevin and Debby kind of picked up on that . . .

Compared to two years ago, Sophie got the hang of opening presents. With or without the help of big cousin Ryann, who liked to hover close by in case Sophie needed help.

Ben receives the in-demand pancake hug.

                                                
Imagine the wicked witch theme playing in your head . . . Juby is a holy terror on this scooter. And she who has never willingly worn a hat but insisted on wearing this one. All night. And sleeping in it. We call her "Juby Clause."

Besides the scooters for the girls, the real highlight of Christmas at Casa Nelson was sharing the day with the whole family, including Darren and Kristen! We have not seen Darren at Christmastime in years, and this year we got the full meal deal: Darren, Kristen, and their dog Duke. It was so nice to see both of them, share stories, and laugh together. Kevin and I are both looking forward to future holidays with Kristen. No offense Darren, but she has really mellowed you out! You are a joy to be around EVERY time we see you. Not that there was a problem before. Wait, that sounds bad. I need to stop.

Duke is an American Bulldog who can take you out if he wants to, although he's a big sweetie underneath. Mimi thinks of him as her third grandbaby, and likes to hold him on her lap. (Not an easy task considering his girth.) Duke was so worked up on Christmas that he wore himself out. He spent the second half of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation moving from lap to lap, spreading himself across as many people as possible each time. Now, we weren't there to see it, but I have a vivid picture in my mind . . .