The Other Ratchfords Visit

The kids trying so hard to take turns opening presents but we just gave up after awhile

Garreth hording all his presents

Elaine trying on one of her beautifully tied bows

The babies Declan and Ronan

We love having our basement done. For the space and a place to put the toys. But mostly because we are able to have our family come and stay with us. Daves brother Garreth, Erin, and their 4 kids drove all the way from Washington after Christmas. They surprised us with a trampoline for our present. I cant wait to set it up when the snow melts. We got together for a belated Christmas party with the Ratchford side. Things are always wild, crazy, and oh so fun.

Sledding at Old Main

Tradition for us is going to my parents for Christmas day. This year we were lucky to have Karla, Justin, and their baby Jake. The kids always love spending time at their Nana and Papa's house. Sledding is something my parents always did with us on Christmas day This was probably because we didn't have any family close and drove my parents crazy by how bored we got. Dave and I took the girls up to Old Main. I wish I would have had the video camera to catch Davy sitting on the girls tiny sled going down the hill. He and Eva completely crashed almost into a tree.

Quick Christmas Details

The kids looked outside to find Santa sleigh tracks with reindeer paws in the snow. We said, "oh no you better get in bed so Santa can deliver your presents." I have never seen two girls run upstairs to their beds so quick. They were asleep without a peep out of them within minutes.

The Christmas scene after Santa delivered all his toys.

Eva grumpy about us taking her picture. Note to self. No matter how much the kids want to start opening presents they must get their hair fixed first. In every single photo their hair is all in front of their eyes.

Ronan happy about his new walker and the fact that there is so much paper to play with.

Leah is all worn out from all the present opening. Again note all the hair in her eyes.

Dave got me exactly what I wanted a new camera. It is the Nikon D40. Now I just have to go take the photography classes that came with it so I can figure out how to use it. I am so excited for it. He had me open it up very first so that I could use to take all these Christmas photos.

Davy with his new boxing bag. This is one of those presents that I have wanted to get him for years but we never had a place to hang it. So it was an easy pick for this Christmas.