A Rochford Family Christmas

This year Christmas came a little early with the Rochford side of the family. Davey, Jenna, and the girls came to town to visit with Chip in the hospital and enjoy an early holiday with us. I was sick the week leading up to Christmas and had not gotten all of the things done that I needed to. By need, I actually mean need. I am not talking about vacuuming the basement or tidying up in the minibarn. I mean buy milk and bread, etc.. So we kept it low key. Christmas Eve morning was spent with Davey, Jenna, the girls, Nona Debi (J's mommy), and us exchanging gifts over breakfast. It was really great to see everyone to kick off the holiday.

Just before noon they all headed to Tennessee for the remainder of the holiday, Davey and Jenna got the girls home and finished their last minute tasks before their own family celebrations and Deb to her Mom's (Grandma Esther) before catching her flight to FL out of Nashville the day after Christmas. Jeremy and I hit Midnight Mass with little Claire Bear and left Jack snoozing at home with Nana B (my mom). We got home and Santa had not yet visited. I don't think Santa was finished up until about 2:30 am. Poor fella had a hard night of work at our place because the kids made out like bandits!!

Highlights included a train table for Jack, a baby doll crib (complete with Baby) for Claire, and a kitchen for them both.

Funnier moments included Jack dressing in the Superman outfit we got him for the ENTIRE day. As well as the shock and wonder at the first glimpse he took through his View finder at his Thomas the train slides, yes they still make view finders!! Who knew??!!? Claire was adorable. Jack made her a penguin at build-a-bear and as soon as it was presented to her she grabbed and hugged it before trying to eat it.

My family came over for Christmas morning and we had a grand old time. Claire surprised Jeremy and I by sleeping in, so when my family arrived, they woke us out of a dead sleep. I don't quite function staright out of bed, so we got off to a bit of a slow start. My Dad, straight through the door, "Do you have coffee made?". My reply,"Who am I? Don't you know me at all?" The coffee is made before the diapers are changed, OK? That is how I roll. We had a great time and look forward to next year when Claire will be more willing to participate.

o