On Friday evening, Amanda/family arrived found that Santa had come early to 1009 Trevino and left stockings full of surprises! We also let the kids open one present under the tree from Grammy and Grandpa. Saturday morning, the kids had a couple more packages under the tree along with a package or two for the parents (the remainder will travel to Overland Park on Christmas Day). Peyton received a bubble gum making kit - she and her momma had a good time making tasty bubblegum! Garrison enjoyed his toys and boots - Peyton liked her boots too. Peyton played us some Christmas carols on the piano which warmed my heart.
Before the rest of the family arrived for Mintun/Arthur/Todd Thanksmas (a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas), Peyton and Garrison enjoyed fixing place cards for the table, decorating them with stamps and stickers. Peyton chose where everyone would sit and put them around. Peyton also was very helpful fixing the summer sausage and cheese tray.
The kids and I also baked and decorated Jesus' birthday cake - a tradition begun by Grandma Mintun many years ago.
Mark and Mary, Joe and Tom arrived around noon to begin our fun day. The table was a mixture of Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Thanksgiving family tablecloth with signatures embroidered on it from several years past - so thankful to have Mom and Daddy's signatures on the tablecloth - Mary has always done a lovely job doing the embroidery every year! We chowed down on prime rib, honeymoon potatoes (making them for 37 years now), Joe's strawberry pretzel salad, Amanda's and Mary's ramen noodle broccoli slaw, green beans and homemade rolls along with homemade ice cream and toppings and Jesus' birthday cake (which was very much like baby Mark's favorite chocolate sheet cake). We had fun visiting and then playing a game of unwrapping the ball of gifts with Nicole being the big winner, then a couple of trivia games involving Christmas questions. Joe and the little people had a nap. I guess they were the 3 youngest - not sure if Nicole is a few months younger or older than Joe????? Before everyone but the little people went home, we enjoyed some snack type foods of cheese ball, spinach dip, summer sausage and cheese, sweets, etc. All-in-all, a very enjoyable, fun day. We missed Mom terribly, but she had taught us that family is so important, and we love her for that and more. She is celebrating in Heaven this year and watching over us from there. We had her traditional peanut butter balls and fudge (not quite as good as hers). Love you Mom!
We were lucky enough to have Peyton and Garrison stay for a couple more days/nights! They had fun taking a bath with the jets on in the tub. On Sunday morning, we went to church for red sweater Sunday. The church was decorated beautifully, and most had on "red" which made it even more beautiful. The youth had a bake sale before church, and the kids enjoyed choosing items to "buy"(free will offering). We had leftovers from Saturday for lunch before Garrison took a nap and Peyton and Grandpa played cards. Then we all went to the movie theatre to see Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip. I'll be honest - we were going for the kids to enjoy, however, we ended up liking it as well - funny and a good story. After the movie, we ran by McDonald's for the kids to get a bite to eat while we rode around and looked at lights. Peyton informed us it was the 4th time they had been to see lights! ha ha We watched Frosty the Snowman on TV when we got home and then to bed.
On Monday, it was craft day! Peyton and Garrison loved making a gift to take to their parents - picture frames with cotton balls and fun pom pons glued on them and a ribbon to hang it by with their pictures in them. Then we made our annual rice krispy treat wreath for them to take home to Mommy and Daddy. They wanted octopus hotdogs for lunch, so that is what we had! Peyton helped cut their legs and put them in the boiling water. After lunch, we attempted a nap for Garrison, which didn't work out, and Peyton and Grandpa played some more cards while I rocked him. We rented a movie from Redbox (Barbie something). We took the movie back as we were leaving town to return them to OP. I wanted a sweet tea from McDonald's, so suddenly, they were hungry again! ha ha They both got french fries - and they ate over half of them! I guess they were hungry. They had both eaten a good lunch. On the ride home, Peyton played with the iPad and Garrison played with my phone. Then Peyton had the phone and was talking to Sirey about this and that. It was cute and funny.
They were happy to see their Mommy when we got to Overland Park - and Mommy was happy to see them! The elves on the shelf (Tinkerbell and Cookie) were on the kitchen counter with "4 More Days" spelled out with Christmas M&M's - they were tickled.
We headed home with a stop at Burger King for fine dining. The house is so quiet now - anxious for them to return over New Years.
A very busy and fulfilling week - love of family and love of Jesus - the Christ Child. We are certainly blessed.
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