Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas 2009

Oh what fun the Harkers had this Christmas. I don't know if it's because we have a bunch of kids now or what, but every Christmas seems to be more fun than the last, even though we had less money to celebrate with then some years. Maybe simpler is better! We began our Christmas Eve celebration at Jeff and Suzie's house with a feast of every kind of "finger food" you could imagine. Yummy!
Then of course it was the traditional nativity play. Suzie's mom had made these awesome costumes to use this year and everyone looked adorable! Miles was supposed to make his acting debut as baby Jesus, but fell asleep just minutes before he was supposed to perform. Oh well. I had a cute Joseph, Shepherd, and Wise Man.
We also played chimes, sang Christmas carols, and had some of the best desserts ever! After the party we went home to lay out cookies and chocolate milk for Santa and watched "The Nativity" and "Mr. Kruger's Christmas." Then time for bed to wait for Santa.
Mitchel slept upstairs with the other boys and brought up his alarm clock. I told them they could not leave the room until 7:00 am. So right on the button, Mitchel was up and waking up his brothers (who probably would have slept for another hour) Then I made them all wait upstairs while I got my video camera ready to film the first reactions as they came down the stairs.
This was Mason's Santa gift. The Extreme Shake 'N Go Raceway. He also got a walkie talkie in his stocking.
Max was thrilled with his lego Star Wars set. He knelt down on the ground, held it high above his head, and said, "Thank you Santa!" Priceless! He got the other walkie talkie in his stocking.
Miles got this cute ball rolling down the track thing. I'm sure he'll like it a lot more when he can sit up on his own.
Everyone was happy!
Miles loved rolling around in the wrapping paper. It's a good thing, because the only gift he got was the one from Santa.
Mitchel's Santa gift was an extension set to his Geo Trax railway. He can now build track that covers the entire living room floor.
Next it was off to Grandma and Grandpa Miller's house for more fun and lunch with the Miller clan.
Thought I better get at least one picture of me on Christmas day. My mom has a tradition of giving all of us girls slippers every year. I love it because I wear them EVERY day so mine get worn out and a new pair every year is awesome! That's what was in this bag.
Then it was off to visit Grandma and Grandpa Harker. While we were there, Uncle Matt came over and surprised his parents with a 40" flat screen T.V. and gave Mitchel and Max these awesome remote control cars. This was a relaxing way to end our Christmas day because none of the other siblings or grand kids came over. We spent time just talking and playing with the cool helicopter Grandpa Harker got.
The next night, the Harker family had our Christmas party with all of Mike's family. We took a family picture outside in the snow with all 12 grand kids. I hope it turns out. Then we had soup and exchanged cousin gifts and just relaxed and talked and laughed. It was wonderful!
So really, the 2009 Harker Christmas was one to remember. When it was all over, I asked my boys what their favorite part was, and all of them said something about spending time with the family. And really, isn't that what it is all about! Loved it!!!

3 comments:

Steve & Brenda said...

We agree with your Christmas assessment Mere- simpler is better! We went that route ourselves this year and had the best time. We loved spending Christmas eve and part of Christmas day with the wonderful Harkers. We are blessed to be so close by to one another. On to a new year now and more adventures!

Stephanie said...

It WAS a wonderful Christmas! Dad and I enjoyed it ALL! Thanks to all of you who helped to make it so nice for us. We love you.
Mom and Dad

Laurie D. said...

I can't get over how cute Miles is. I'm glad you enjoyed your Christmas. We'd love to have you guys up and take you on in "Ticket to Ride". I wish we lived closer so it wasn't so hard to get together. Maybe some time in January or February. We're going to have to be frugal with our dates this year, so game nights with friends would be really fun.