12.25.14 - Christmas Day!

I woke up earlier than everyone except Mom, which I seem to usually do when visiting home. I hung out with her one-on-one for awhile. She made everyone eggs, bacon, and buttered bread and set out a bowl of clementines. It kind of reminded me of the breakfast in Little Women ("Isn't butter divinity??")

Grandma and her mini-me.

Neil, Ellen, and Everett got up one by one and we all started helping with the list Mom had printed of cleaning to get done before the party. It was pretty easy with so much help. Neil and I had a rousing conversation about one of the best movies ever, Warrior, while I was cleaning the kitchen and he was cleaning the living room. We got everything done with an hour to spare before people started coming over. It was a relatively stress-free set up. 

The festive red-and-green couple.

Most of Mom's family ended up coming over. There was a brief moment of panic (secretly, just for Everett and me) when Grandma didn't bring cheesy potatoes, but it turned out Uncle Mark had it covered. Whew. And Mike & Laura brought their pasta house salad, which I love. So much good food. 

Mistletoe kisses with the kiddies.

Zoey and Damien play as a team with the elliptical.

I chatted with people in the living room and basement for awhile, but eventually I settled in the living room to play 5 Crowns with Everett, Ellen, and Mom (I think). After a couple rounds we dealt Uncle Mark in, and later Mom wanted to play with Zoey so Linda took Mom's place. It was a great game--Ellen and Mark were neck-and-neck for most of it, and Mark was pretty into it, which we appreciate. Everett was losing terribly the entire time, but he was a good sport about it, and it made it funny every time I read the scores in order because he was always so far behind. 

Neil can't take all the excitement.

Playing or at least watching 5 Crowns.

Not long before the game ended, we were surprised by a visit from not only our cousin Suzanne, but also our cousins Andy and Angela and their spouses. I went in the basement and talked with them for awhile, and it was really enjoyable.

Throughout the day people remarked on Clara, insisted I look fabulous, and asked if they could touch my belly. Strange to think next time I see most of them I'll have a baby in hand.

Finally got Everett & Ellen to really smile by taking a pic behind my huge stomach.

Everyone wants to hold the baby.

I know Jack got to Skype with his family, and I did get to talk to him for a bit that night, though we were both kind of tired. Overall it was a pretty nice day.