December 2008: Christmas

The end of December brought Michelle, Adam, Cy and Aspen the Chicago. They made the long journey in one day! They got to see Ryan interact with his friends when we hosted playgroup. Before we knew it all the shopping and wrapping and preparing was done. Christmas was here! We started a new tradition this year. Christmas Eve was spent at our house making homeade pizzas and laughing and we were hoping to play some games, but time got away from us.

Christmas Morning was so much fun this year. Ryan understood how to open presents and to look in his stocking for some small treats. Santa brought Ryan a t-ball set, a golf set, a Thomas the train memory game and a Little Tykes Camera. After a brief look at what Santa brought it was off to Grandma and Grandpa's house to open presents with everyone and go to church. After church we went home and waited for Grandma and Grandad to come over so that we could spend some time with them. (FYI- Grandma and Grandpa are the Letts grandparents and Grandma and Grandad are the Dixon grandparents) Finally, we drove with the Dixon's over to the Letts's house for Christmas dinner and games. We were so lucky to have so many people with us for Christmas dinner this year.

Next day: Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a holiday in England that is celebrated on December 26. There are no specific traditions for the day so Brenda and I went shopping to get some after Christmas deals and Ben and Derek worked on the basement! Then we ended the day with dinner at a local pub! Brenda and Derek even got to have Shepherd’s Pie (a British favorite).

Last, but definately not least is The Wallace Family Chirstmas! Mom hosts a get-together around Christmas every year for the Wallace family to come together and be a family and eat wonderful food. Yum!