December 23, 2024-Dennie Family Circle Christmas

(click for today's pictures)

• Our goal this morning was to leave a 8:30, and we were pretty close to that. The kids sure don't pop out of bed, but I know they are staying up pretty late. That's fine with us as long as they are quiet-Christmas break only lasts for so long.
• The kids started trickling to the car, but it certainly helped that we took Bentley with us. She could have stayed at home, but someone would have had to come and take her out. Since she is good traveler, we just brought her though. And really she did well. She was a little nervous at first, but she did eventually settle.
• We arrived at Les and Shelley's house before noon, and soon we were feasting on Interstate BBQ. Les had some sweet BBQ sauce which I loved. Plus there were lots of sweets and appetizers to munch on. 
• After eating, Robby had some games, and he had lots of prizes which included lottery tickets. The games were all minute to win it type games, and there were prizes for everyone. That was fun for everyone. We even had a few winners-but not many at all. Then we played the game that we all so enjoyed playing at the Wilson's Christmas party. 
• Eventually, it was finally present time. We started with the birthdays, and then moved on to the Christmas gifts. The kids all enjoyed their presents-gift cards, money, and even more presents. However, I didn't get a picture, but the person that most enjoyed their present was Whitman-he was so excited to get his fog machine!
• And if you were wondering, a fog machine does actually set off the smoke alarms in your house. When we made it home, that was the first thing that the kids went to work on. The whole house was eventually filled with fog. It was quite fun-that sounds sarcastic, but it really was fun. He is getting a few more things that he might can use with his fog machine as well.
• After presents, we did a family picture. We stayed a bit and visited, but eventually we headed home. The drive home was a bit longer, but Robby did stop and pick up some pizza on the way home so we would have some supper options. 
• The kids were all pretty chatty on the way home. We could have driven for hours more because I love being with them while hearing them talk. We had discussions on weddings, finances, careers, and so much more. It was a good ride home.
• Once at home, everyone helped unload the car. I put most things away and tried to do some things for tomorrow. I had planned to make cinnamon rolls tomorrow, but that just isn't going to happen. I'll do it in a few days though. 
• The kids have had supper, some have had showers, and now I'm going to open some of my hot chocolate from Shelley.