Snyder Times: I'll Be Home For Christmas

The old Christmas song gained new meaning this year when Todd headed to China the week of Christmas, hoping to make it home in time for Christmas Eve dinner. He only had one delay and was here by 8 pm. We would have liked him here sooner, but were grateful to be together as a family. We were all here, in a warm home, filled with food and presents, in a free country.

We were all anticipating Sadie's reaction to Christmas, and she loved it, starting with her first present. We enjoy finger foods picnic style on Christmas eve and then let the children open their presents from Grandparents. Sadie's first present was from her Grandma and Grandpa Snyder, and it was a Cinderella barbie & horse she'd been eyeing at the store. She tore back the paper and exclaimed "For me?". In her eyes Christmas could have been complete with that one gift. As parents we are constantly trying to teach our children, but at that moment I was grateful for the lesson she taught me.

We enjoyed an early Christmas party at Grandma and Grandpa Reeder's--Sadie's largest family gathering yet. Then we had G & G Reeder and Aunt Joyce at our house on Christmas Eve to decorate gingerbread houses, eat and open a few gifts....including new pj's of course. G & G Snyder came up on Christmas Day.

The older boys were in our room at 5:58, claiming their alarm clocks already said 6:00. We'd warned Sadie we'd be up early. Even Carson was pulled from his warm covers. We (alright, I) worried Todd's jetlag would get him up earlier than usual. He's usually worse than the kids, but they are better competition as they get older. Sadie was a little disappointed when her first gift wasn't "Hammah Montamma" like she'd requested, but I also don't think she knew there were more gifts coming. Austin was dreaming of Legos, Hayden's wish was a video camera, Sara had been hoping for a Nintendo DS, Sadie requested Hannah Montana, and Carson had his heart set on a Hungry, Hungry Hippo game. Santa did not disappoint, in fact he brought it all. That guy must think these Snyder kids are as great as their parents do!

Since Christmas someone in the family, if not all, have been sick with colds and coughs. We've been lazy, played games, watched movies, slept, and enjoyed all the new toys and gadgets. We've yet to go sledding....we've yet to see any of the good movies in theaters...we've yet to build a snowman....but January needs something to make it seem more exciting!

(The grandkids/great grandkids ages 12 and under at the Reeders.)

(The annual picnic that must include Grandma's Red Slush)

(The traditional pj present from mom & dad)

(The first presents of Christmas morning...do you open the first one you find, or hunt for the biggest/littlest one you hope is "the"one? Sadie is yawning herself awake!)