Christmas 08

This Christmas we went to my brother in Ashburton, a first for us. Most years we spend it with Dave's mum but a change is as good as a holiday. So we had a early Christmas at home, we opened our presents thus we wouldn't have to take them on the trip. Stacey came over and we had a Christmas dinner with roast chicken etc... Nicholas had a great time opening his presents as well as Kate's. As predicted Nicholas liked Kate's toy and Kate liked the paper and the box. Dave and I generally have a competition of who gives each other the most and this year Dave won hands down (damn). When I looked under the tree there was only two presents so I got three but when it came to opening the present he had wrapped three presents in each of the two parcels that were under the tree I was tricked BIG TIME. We had a good time then it was off to bed early so we could get away on Christmas Eve. Alas Dave had to go for his run which took 3 hours grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr so leaving before 10am ended up being 2pm. We stopped off in Oamaru to Dave's mum and did presents with her and Gordon. WOW grandma did really well with gifts this year especially for Dave she knitted him a vest and it fitted (Dave's mum generally wings it and guesses the size of things and for Dave it always too small). Then it was off to Ashburton stopping briefly to drop off Big Ben's presents. We arrived at Pete's house about 7pm and when drove up the drive there sitting on the lawn was a bouncy castle Nicholas's eyes were half asleep before hand but now were fully bulging out and before we could say you can get out he was gone. Kate travelled very well good baby!!!

I was at two minds whether or not we should go to Pete's for Christmas Day because my family has such huge dynamics and Dave and I are the only ones who don't drink or smoke. Most family gatherings end in disaster i.e fighting, crying, abusive, especially after too many drinks. However we were here now and I could only make the best of the situation and pray to heavenly father for peace and calmness. Christmas morning was awesome watching Nicholas and Cory open their presents. Nicholas was so excited because he got a Kevin Levin car. Meanwhile in the kitchen it was buzzing with guest arriving 11 adults and 7 children to cater for all hands were on deck. Cheri and I had it under control and it all went really smooth. Once the wine and beers started to flow I was really nervous but alas not one fight or smart remark or nothing it was an anti climax (what a relief). Cheri said its the first time ever and my mum went home sobber amazing. Surely our presents couldn't have that much affect??? Cheri said it did. I really enjoyed Christmas and we shall go back next year for Christmas