"Christmas 2009"

The kids woke us up about 7 am, not too bad for a Christmas morning! They obeyed the rules, no going down stairs till everyone's up, no peeking and wait on the stairs till mom gets her camera and dad gets the video cameras ready for action. Finally, we let them loose. Santa always leaves his gifts unwrapped waiting for them under the tree. Santa made everyone smile this year. R.J. got a brand new Bat, Madison got an ipod Nano, and Payton got a new American Girl Doll. After all the gifts were unwrapped and nothing was left under the tree, Rob and I saved one last special present for the kids. It was actually from Grandma Tribe. She left us some money after she passed away and we used some of it for a family gift. We got a Wii for the whole family to enjoy! The kids were so excited as they opened it. After all the frenzy of opening gifts was over we had breakfast. I prepared the Orange Rolls I slaved over. The kids and Rob loved them. They were such a delicious, sweet treat. Then, we got ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa Melendez' house. Everyone on my mom's side of the family comes to eat and visit and play games. It was so fun to be with everyone. We also had the Cousin Gift exchange. Where the oldest to youngest picked a name and they bought a gift for that person. It was cute to see all the kids passing around their gifts. Another special gift that was given was the "Embroidered Dish Towels" Grandma Melendez gave the girls. They were adorable, they had kittens on them. They looked just like the ones Grandma made me. I am so glad mom is carrying on this tradition. I still use the ones grandma made me. The food was once again so good. We had two different kinds of turkey and all the yummy fixins'. Right before we ate, mom read a beautiful letter from Michael who couldn't be with us this year because he is serving his mission in Missouri. We all miss him so much but, are so proud of him. Next, we had some entertainment by the cousins. R.J. and Madison played a Christmas Medley Duet. He played the trumpet and She played the clarinet. Payton also played a Christmas Carol on the piano and Payton sand her solo from the Christmas ward Dinner. Others played the piano and sang songs too. Then, we had our "White Elephant Gift Exchange". It just keeps getting better and better each year. Dad ended up picking mom's old Muumuu this year. And everyone chanted together, "Put it on, Put it on!" He was a good sport and wore it with pride. We all had so much fun and laughed so much. The night ended with Clara's famous Egg Nog and Grandma's Cherry Pie. We hated for the day to end but, we were so exhausted and couldn't wait to get to bed.