Our Christmas (Abridged)

Here is our Christmas in review:

Luckily we figured out a strategy a few years back to have a little time for everyone. On Christmas Eve each year, we meet with my family and enjoy a yummy Japanese dinner of Tempura shrimp and veggies (trust me -- it's delicious!). Then we have a Christmas story and exchange presents. Then Christmas morning, we enjoy our own time around the Christmas tree in our PJs. Once the presents are unwrapped and the play begins, Ryan and I make the famous Jones Buttermilk Pancakes. We have a lazy morning and assemble toys and play together. Then in the afternoon, we head over to Ryan's family gathering. This year, it was at his sister's house and we all met for a Mexican Fiesta (we are experimenting with the traditional Christmas meal -- we had Italian last year -- I suspect we'll go back to a more standard meal next year). Then we get all the cousins together (14 so far) and have a crazy present opening frenzy. It is busy, but wonderful. These pictures are a sneak peak at our lazy PJ Christmas morning. (As you can tell through the blinds, it was still dark outside!)