Rounding out 2010.

So, we enjoyed a pretty quiet rest of our Christmas Holidays. We stuck pretty close to home, and were very lucky to have Grandma Heather, Papa Dave, Auntie Kerri and Darren join us for Christmas. Unfortunately Riley was a bit under the weather. I minor cold attached with all of the Xmas hoopla, put her into a bit of a tizzy and she was sick in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Thankfully, just before dinner, Riley came around.
She had a bit of energy reserved to
watch a little Jack Black on Phineas and Ferb,



put some 'feed' out for the reindeer,


get some family snuggles in




battle mommy and the rest of the family in a game of Disney Sing Star on the PS3 after getting into new Christmas PJ's


and make cookies for Santa - NASA Santa Tracker showed he was coming our way.



The big kids on the other hand, had time for more fun and games. We played a round of PARTINI!!! With shots for missed answers and for the loser of the ball toss etc. Fun, silly game - thanks G. Heather :)

We also had to gear up for Santa's Arrival!!!!

Christmas morning came EARLY. Riley was sooooo excited she was up at 5:30am. After a forced return to slumber for another hour, it was 6:30am when she was up again and in waking up Emily, who would have slept all day I think. I loved seeing their faces as they came down to see the Santa did in fact come (by evidence of the cookie and carrot remnants on the fireplace), and that he brought what they wanted. Repunzel and Star Wars Lego for Riley and a Scooter and Olivia doll for Emily. And all of the family presents and stocking stuffer surprises.






Unfortunately the early excitement was a little too much for Riley and she was sick a couple of more times. She had to finish the present opening while recovering on the couch. It just broke my heart to see her struggle, knowing that she was excited, but was feeling so lousy. Her Harry Potter PS3 game and Lego set, did bring a smile to her face though and got her back on her feet (along with some meds).

Emily on the other hand was right into the present opening (I think she even opened daddy's and mine). One thing after the other, she was on a mission, with periodic brakes to ride on her new scooter (pointed toe and all).



We of course started the morning with several pots of coffee and fresh cinamin buns an Xmas morning must.
The afternoon brought a healther and happier Riley and continuation of our family traditions. Kris was the fabulous chef who cooked up Santa's favorite Rosemary Turkey and North Pole Bread Stuffing with peppers and green beans all from Santa's North Pole Cookbook from Grandma Mary. It was actually his best turkey dinner yet, which was hard to top off his last one. Must have been the fresh organic turkey from the market :)

Auntie Kerri brought her gingerbread kit which we all were able to help assemble. This year it was a Gingerbread Train. It was tough for the girls to build rather than eat it all, but it turned out great.


We followed up dinner with Orchestra Finnigan!!! Our Christmas Crackers contained whistles of all a different keys and directions for conductor Papa Dave to lead us thru different songs of his choice. So funny.




After supper it was time for the Finnigans to say farewell. We really enjoyed our family Christmas with all of them.
The rest of the evening was dedicated to lego completion and enjoyment. Love LEGO!!