Thursday, December 30, 2010

Our Christmas in Raleigh

After a long drive, play time galore, and a fun-filled Christmas eve, it was finally time for the main event.  Everyone was beyond excited for Christmas morning, probably as much if not more than the kids were!  My mom really made it so special with everything from the plethora of delicious Christmas cookies she baked for weeks before we all arrived, the festive decorations throughout the entire house, stockings for each person hung with care above the fireplace, Christmas music playing most of the time (that one was actually thanks to my Dad and his iPad), and all of the other little touches that she included to make it special.  She really pulled out all of the stops and put in a lot of thought for everyone; we are so appreciative of everything (thanks Mom!)  :)

The stockings were opened first thing, as per the Meckstroth tradition


The kids then each opened a couple of gifts before we sat down for Christmas breakfast-a feast fit for kings! 










With our tummies filled to the brim, we tackled the rest of the gifts.  We let the kids open all of their gifts first, of course




I had to get this miniature American Girl Samantha doll for Meredith when I saw it because I had the doll when I was younger.  Meredith may not appreciate it now, but I know Ann thought it was a neat doll (she had a Samantha doll as well) 




Meredith and I snuck in a quiet moment to read one of her new books 




 
 Buster sure became worn out quick from all of the excitement




I really have to commend Matt.  He was suffering from the worst sinus infection he has had in years during our entire trip, but he pulled out all of the stops and put in every ounce of energy/effort to be social, pleasant, and take part in all of the activities, despite everyone urging him to take it easy and rest.  Thanks Matt! 










Some how we were able to eat Christmas dinner, which was also a delectable feast 



Reindeer Dust

We continued the newly formed tradition (last year was when Grammy started it) of sprinkling sparkling reindeer dust in the yard in order to attract Santa's reindeer as another way for the kids to make sure Santa would stop and deliver their presents.  Meredith was too young last year to remember, but she is lucky to have a great big brother who taught her all about this fun tradition, such as the appropriate amount of dust to throw each time and how to move throughout the yard to spread it all out


                                                          


Mister Tim (we are working on Matthew calling him Uncle Tim, but for some unknown reason Matthew insists that he likes the name Mister Tim better) 




                                                      


The reindeer dust and cookies must have done the trick because Santa definitely brought presents during the night :)