Thomas Christmas 2009 !~ Well, we had Brinley fly in after successful finals and then spent a few days getting our Christmas deliveries and cards ready, and then the fun began. It all started with our fun ward dinner, A Charlie Brown Christmas, with an adorable version of that cute show. It is always fun to get together with ward members and talk. Then, as our neighbors kins drove in we invited them over for a game night and caught up with all the college kids Brin and Parker grew up with. That night ended in a scholarly discussion managed by Brian on evolution! I ducked out quick not wanting to participate in lengthy debates on Darwinism and creation. College kids are crazy and infused with too many opinions!! Anyway, Spoons was fun and our unlikely neighbor won the whole night with her quick hands! Delivery night consists of taking 20 bottles of Marinelli's to families who have been nominated as our favorite families that year. Seminary teachers, primary leaders, ward friends etc.. It is always fun to sneak to the doorstep in our santa hats and ding dong and ditch! Everyone takes turns and the reciever is left with a certificate of appreciation and their cider, and some get "puppy chow" which is the kids favorite holiday munchie. Christmas Eve we hot tubbed, wrote stocking mail, read the Christmas story and of course munched on all our holiday faves. Everyone got to bed fairly early, Santa was up all night though! Mrs. Clause was in bed by 11! First time ever! I had an interesting year this year working as a pet sitter for a local company. I had 3 families to visit fairly close to our house and had to run over 3 times a day to feed and water. The girls and I had a great time together walking dogs and goofing around with them. I had to get up at 530 Christmas morning to make my pet rounds so as not to upset the Christmas morning routine. Whew! We even had snow this year on Christmas Eve so that was a fun surprise! We all went to see Sherlock Holmes Christmas Day and Josh drove in around 5 the next day. Maddie got a new bat, so we went to the park and everyone played outfield while Brian pitched. Turns out Josh, and Parker are fabulous hitters as well, and I hefted some long shots into the outfield. I am going to say it was the terrific bat in my case! (a Stealth SCN6B) Good times. Syd almost got nailed by a couple of hits, as she spent time wandering in the outfield waiting for a ball. So, Brin and Josh drove back and in Brinley's words, " I will never drive that far again!!" Been there, felt that. Love you all! Happy 2010!