Christmas 2009

Christmas at the Urses house started at 6:30 a.m. Kurt always has had a hard time sleeping on Christmas eve, and this year was no exception. We got to bed around 12:30 a.m. after attending Candlelight Services at our church and a late night dinner stop at In and Out Burger. (Oh, and by the way, that was my first and last trip. . .I went to bed with a tummy ache!) Despite a late night, he was still awake at 4:30 a.m., but he thought he'd be nice and let me sleep a bit longer. I guess 6:30 was a bit longer.

This was our first Christmas opening presents on our own. We would do so again later with the kids and the rest of the family. This was also the first Christmas in 13 or so years where Kurt had Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after off. We relished our time together. Our four legged family lounged around, except for the cats. . .they enjoyed hiding in the discarded wrapping paper. I think they had the most fun of all.

No pictures to post. . .that was one of Kurt's presents to me. . .no pictures of me with bed head! Yeah!! The picture of London by our Christmas tree that afternoon, will have to suffice.

The rest of the Urses family met at Grandma Beth and Papa John's house for the traditional Christmas breakfast at 10 a.m. We missed Doug this year. His new job with Gold Cross ambulance left him working a 5a to 5p shift this year.

Santa treated everyone well! Papa John was forced to open presents first as he usually waits until everyone is done. He opened the big one first. Now I know who Kurt gets it from.

At 1:00 Grandma and Grandpa Z and B met us and the kids at our house to open presents and have a late lunch. Grandpa B and Z took advantage of our new Wii game, Cabela's Big Game Hunter (thank you Grandpa B) and went hunting for deer, elk or something. I think the only thing that got was "frustrated", but it was sure fun watching.

London roped Grandpa Z into building "stuff" with her new pink Legos. I think London was the foreman on this job. . .look out Okland Construction!

The girls stayed out of the way by cleaning up after lunch. No, my hands aren't really blue, but red, dry and chapped isn't a good look either.

We missed Clay and Mel. With their kids spread out across the valley now, it's hard to get everywhere in one day. They visited with us the next day. London and Mel played Wii Sword Fighting and London proudly "kicked her butt!"

Don't feel bad though, Mel. We've all had a turn at a London "butt kicking".

It goes without saying that we wished the Stoker family could be with us. Maybe next year.

We also missed Grandma H this year, but she was thought of often throughout the day. She was remembered in several presents that were exchanged. Ashley embroidered and framed a beautiful picture of the famous Ruby Slippers tripping their way down the Yellow Brick Road for Grandma Z. Ashely and London received Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion in the form of Madame Alexander Dolls from Amma Sue and Ampa Kurt. Let's just say that for a few minutes there wasn't a dry female eye in the house!

Christmas 2009 came and went and left us with some very fond memories. Maybe next year we'll have a new house to celebrate it in. . .yes Kurt, that's a hint about the basement. Merry Christmas and we love you all!