Christmas '09

I'm finally getting around to posting some Christmas pictures from weeks ago. We had a great time with both sides of the family and are already wishing we could see them again soon. The above note was written at Rob's parents' house by Miss Sarah--I thought it was cute!
We went to my parents' house first--I think for our dinner and gift opening time, there were 32 of us--my immediate family, plus our Japanese friends and Aunt Mary and Uncle Kit, who are with us every year for this. It's a houseful, but we just love it.




The kids are mostly always in the garage--my dad put in a new double swing this year, made from an old ab roller. I was a nervous wreck that someone would get slammed into by it, but the kids loved it!



Here's my adorable 16 month old nephew James. I think he's about the cutest thing ever, and his daddy's pretty great, too. One of Sarah's favorite Christmas gifts, and the only thing she asked for besides a princess robot...her own gumball machine! And she's doing great sharing them with her brothers.


This kid could never have too many Legos! He entered one of his favorite creations in to their website and is hoping it'll show up in the magazine.

Here's my Japanese sister Mai and her son opening a gift--it was so special to have them at our family Christmas this year--first time to celebrate Christmas with her since 17 years ago, when she was my exchange student in high school.

Now on to our little family Christmas with just Robbie and the kids and me. We had to rush through this to leave town a couple days early because of the big storm coming in. Because of this, we didn't get to have our tradition of decorating Jesus' birthday cake together, but Levi got to read the Christmas story aloud in his Bible for the first time this year, which was really special. Levi's big gift was his Ripstik--sadly he hasn't had much time to practice it yet, but hopefully it'll warm and dry up soon. His best friend got one, too, so I'm hoping they'll spend lots of time together on these this summer.

Jas was so happy to get another train for his (Levi's) track.

The kids were trying to figure out what recipe to try in Sarah's new cookbook...notice her adorable apron that my mom made her--and I got one to match!

On to Rob's family's Christmas. His mom always makes an amazing meal, and we have a nice, candlelit Christmas dinner.
My hubby playing guitar for some Christmas carols.
Robbie's mom reads a special kid's Christmas book to the grandkids each year, then she gives each of them their own ornament that goes along with the book. Linda is so good at making things special and creating traditions that we all look forward to each year.

Levi was pumped about having his own kickball, just like the ones they use at school.

And here's Miss Sarah's new Christmas outfit from Grandma and Grandpa--too cute.

Sarah and cousin Grace--great friends.

Robbie's grandma gave the boys each their own harmonica and a book to teach them to play. Her husband, who died my first year of marriage, was great at the harmonica and so loved music...she's hoping to pass that love on to this generation.


And last but not least, Sarah's rendition of "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer". I laugh every time I listen to her names for all the reindeer! I guess she needed some space and decided to hang out on the stairs. About 3/4 of the way through it, notice the toy that gets thrown down, then little KeiKei's feet "helping" her play the piano!