2009 is underway and we wanted to make certain to send our warmest wishes to family and friends. This year Christmas was different but extremely enjoyable. This was our first Christmas spent in Atlanta . Mary's parents came by train and spent Christmas with us. Though last year was a great Christmas, we must admit, it was nice not having to pack the van twice and drive all the miles. Most of all, I didn't have to worry about a New Years blizzard making driving through the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee nervewracking.

The kids were kind and waited until daylight to wake us all from our slumber. Luckily, Mommy and Daddy were able to get to sleep by 2:00am, leaving more than enough time for Santa to arrive and still get 5 hours of sleep.

Once everyone was awake, the kids were ready to go to town. (I'm only going to hit on the highlights, otherwise this story might take two pages) Bugsy was thrilled with her new kitchen set and with all the pots,pans, dishes and other kitchen accesories. Bugs also likes sitting in her new rocking chair, wearing her new ladybug PJ's and her new music playing dance skirts.

Trey got a new iPod Shuffle that hasn't left his side and a microscope that he has enjoyed. Isaac won't take off his Indiana Jones costume and uses his whip on everything. Ice also got a pair of inline skates that he has already started practicing with. Trey and Isaac also got new Hockey Sticks, a goal and some outdoor hockey balls.

The big gift came to the entire family from Santa and that was a Wii. As is always the case (from the Atari to now) video game consoles will always dominate the Christmas landscape. So far the kids (and Daddy) have been pretty good with their time management on the Wii.

Christmas dinner was fabulous. Since there was only 7 of us, we only had an 11 lb Turkey but add some ham, mashed potato's, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and stuffing, you get a delicious dinner with leftovers to last a week. Mary made a stock with the turkey bones and from that we had turkey soup.

New Years Eve was spent at home. Bugs didn't take a nap during the day, so she wanted to get to sleep pretty early. The previous day, Mary bought some fireworks so once Bugs was asleep, the family went outside for a pyrotechnics display. We set the fireworks up and on the first display, we set the grass on fire. (Grass is in hibernation mode). I was able to stomp the fire out with my foot (nothing like burnt rubber). The next display caused another fire. I went to get a gallon of water, but now the flames were multiple and growing fast (this was all in the treelawn, so any fire wasn't going to go very far). I decided to get the garden hose just in case something big decided to occur. However, the other displays went off without a hitch and the children enjoyed themselves.

Once inside, the kids got into PJ's and MAry read them a bed time store. Once the kids were asleep Mary and curled-up near the fire and watched the New Year come in. I talked to my parents for a little bit and then Mary and I passed-out on the sofe, only to have Bugs wake us up and have us come to bed.

For New Years Day...I hope a grocery store is open because I have no idea what we're doing for dinner. (this is the first one I ever had to worry about). 

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