Christmas Time

Tonio called me a Grinch at dinner the other night because I said I did not like Christmas.  In theory I like the activities and the idea of the holiday but it is a very stressful time.  I did not like Christmas as a kid- I liked presents and vacation but the actual day was usually quick open presents, get ready so we can go to Meme's and then wait for everyone to arrive.  Then it was quick a family picture, open presents fast, hear my annoying cousins complain about being there, eat dinner fast, make fun of everyone behind their back and then hurry home. That is not even mentioning my sister that would throw fits because she either did not like what she had, wanted what I got or what my mom wanted.  I always hoped it would be better next year and it was not.  As an adult and mom, I do not enjoy the panicked gift giving.  This year the only adult I bought a present for was for Tony and the boys' teachers.  Otherwise no presents except for the boys which was really nice.  Finally we stay home too.  We dont go anywhere.  Maybe I am a grinch but what I would like is no presents at all and just a big dinner somewhere.  Give the money away to someone.


Christmas at Keith and Carols- The now annual get together with Billings Folks at Keiths.   Miguel and Tonio do not do well being the oldest.  Within in seconds- Miguel runs into the house starts beating on the giant snowman, runs on the couch and then did a flip off the back.  By the end, they were trying to throw Alex's blankie into the celing fan, running around with no clothes and pulling of Ewan's pants.  The middle was okay but man- cant take them anywhere.

Sledding at City Hall- another annual event now- three years in a row.  Tonio was interviewed and was told he would be on the news.  His interview was not on the news but he got into the corner of the screen sledding.

My Final Attempt at a Family Picture for our Christmas card


 

At the school pageant, Miguel's class sang, " Los Peces del Rio" and Tonio's class sang "Rudulfo" and he was Rudulfo.  Miguel was a pretty good dancer too.

 

 It has only been two days since school was out and they are going crazy.  Maybe because it has rained for two days straight.  Here they are making marshmellow igloos and dad's frostys.