Christmas Extravaganza!

Still catching up...

We spent Saturday celebrating Christmas with the Dawson side of the family. The Sac Town Clan (I really must learn the Italian counterpart to "clan") drove down for the festivities, resulting in Cousinly Mayhem.

Joseph adores all his cousins and is always so excited to see them. When he heard that Sal and Sophia were going to be at Boppa and G's, well...let's just say it was hard getting him to sit still long enough to get dressed.

We opened presents fairly early. I couldn't get over the difference a year has made. Last year, Chad and I opened Joseph's presents for him while he pointed at the snowmen and yelled, "Diego!" (Because...you know...Diego is Frosty's cousin from SoCal.) This year, he tore apart his wrapping paper and exclaimed in delight. He wanted his new toys opened "right now" and the toys! I don't know who was more excited, Chad or Joseph. He's finally playing with toys that are fun for us to play with as well. We've always enjoyed the Legos and blocks, but this year, he has Imaginext and race cars.

Side note: I'm still on the fence in regards to the Imginext brand. I'm not quite certain I like such a realistic toy. I'm also not sure I like the fact that his toy appears to be a poacher. I know. I know. It's supposed to be a safari rescue boat, but it has a grappling hook and cages for the animals!

Regardless of my thoughts, Chad and Joseph love them. Joseph's been playing with it almost non-stop. And Chad...well...let's just say that Daddy went to Target and bought several more of the "Jungle" series. It looks like Gorilla Mountain is going to be reigning Joseph's room.

After the Cousin Christmas Chaos ended, the adults opened their presents. I was super happy with my gifts which included books (do they know me or what?) and new looms! That's right...now I'll be able to make ponchos, afghans, scarves and sweaters. The loom's the limit! (Groan. You know you want to.)

In an effort to continue my 2008 New Year's Resolution to be more green, I sewed up flannel bags for our gifts. They turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. Did I take pictures? Of course not! In a moment of absentmindedness, I left the charged battery and battery charger plugged in at home leaving me with enough juice to get just a few pictures. But never fear...I'm in the middle of sewing additional bags for our Christmas on Thursday. Pictures will follow.

All in all, it was a great day full of fun, family and laughter.