Catching up and Christmas

The end of 2009 was a great one. Seth and I went left on Tuesday December 22 and drove to my Grandma Bunker's house in Simi Valley. She threw a Christmas white elephant party. We had a great time catching up with family and laughing during the white elephant gift exchange. Some of the gifts were just priceless. I ended up with a foot spa and Seth came away with a Partylite Clairmont Tealight Lamp.

I am so glad that we went to the party and it actually worked out quite well. We were able to spend the night at grandma's that night and then finish our drive to Templeton on Wednesday. We were planning on leaving Simi by 9am so that we could be in Templeton by 12pm but when the morning came we decided that it was better to sleep in and spend some quality time with grandma. After a great breakfast with grandma and enjoying her company, Seth and I started our journey to Templeton. The drive went very smoothly we didn't hit any traffic : ). I was nice to see the coast during the day because we usually drive at night are not able to see the beautiful coast. We made it to my parents house by 2:30pm and spent a little time talking to my family. Then we were off again to help set up my friend's wedding reception. The set up was fun because I was able to spend time with some of my friends that I grew up with. It was a blast talking and working with them. After we set up, we stayed for the reception and I was able to see to most of the people that I grew up with. It was exciting to show off my belly. I even got to hear many birthing stories... oh the joy... hehe.

On Christmas Eve, Seth took Ian golfing in San Luis Obispo while my mom and I stayed home and made lasagnas for dinner. I love being in the kitchen with my mom. It gave us time to talk and laugh. That night, Lauren, Dylan, my mom and I took a Christmas Eve dinner of homemade lasagna and bread sticks to a family in my mom's ward. Then we went to the store to do some LAST minute shopping. Nothing like shopping at 6:00pm on Christmas Eve hehe... The boys that stayed home where put in charge of putting the lasagna in the oven and setting the table. So by the time that we got home everything was ready and we sat down to a Fantastic dinner. Lauren and I were in charge of the festivities for the night so why we planned and got everything ready the boys helped my mom clean up dinner. The festivities went well and then we sent the boys to bed so the "Elves" could get to work wrapping presents. To help us stay away while wrapping we popped in the movie "UP". I thought that the beginning was really sad and it made me cry, but over all I thought that the concept was cute.

Christmas morning came really fast. Lauren wanted to open presents right at 8:30am because she and Dylan needed to be on the to Fresno by 12. So we woke up early and got my parents up. Opening presents at my parents house it always fun. We all take turns opening one present at a time starting with the youngest. This year was fun because they determined that our little Anna was technically the youngest there, so I got to open one of her presents first. There was on BIG present that was Labeled "To: Anna, From: Kylee" (Kylee is my niece). Seth said that we had to start big and open that one up first. I was SOOOO excited to see what was in it. It was the crib bedding that I had registered for at Babies R Us. I was not expecting it and was very thankful that the Popes had thought about our little Anna. Thanks again Popes. We really love it.

(please excuse the "Bed-Head" look)

Right when I saw what it was I couldn't wait to go home and put it on the crib and that is just what I did : ).

The Graff Family tradition is to eat Sourdough waffles, whipped cream and strawberries for Christmas breakfast. This is a great an YUMMMY tradition that we enjoy very much. After breakfast the boys played with their new toys and then we all took a Christmas NAP. It was great. Once we woke up from the nap it was time to start cooking again. Dinner was great and the company was better. After dinner we played a new game that I got for Christmas from my Brother-in-law Mark. Thanks Mark. It is called "Qwirkle". Seth and I really enjoy the game and we were able to introduce mom and Ian to it.

Christmas also marked my 32 week mark of being pregnant, so I had my Mom take a preggo picture of me.

The rest of our stay was relaxing and joyful. We are so glad that we were able to be with family for the holidays. Late Sunday afternoon, Seth and I started our drive back down to Tustin. Our new tradition is to stop in Camarillo and see Grandpa and Grandma Lis. We really enjoy visiting with them and having the chance to stretch our legs. We made it home at a descent hour and didn't hit ANY traffic (Amazing for the Sunday after Christmas!). Well I hope that you feel caught up to speed. We love ya all! Happy New Year!