Sloan Christmas

We left on a Friday night. God gave us no traffic headaches to deal with, which was great and unexpected. We decided to bring Finn along with us. Actually, the kids and Todd decided. I was out numbered. After the first 20 minutes or so he got over the nerves and chilled out,and was actually really good on the trip.
As soon as we got there we were greeted with a happy little Caroline and Papa very eager to show the kids the train set he'd been working so hard on for months. The kids couldn't wait to see it and it was quite impressive!
On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a relaxed morning with happy cousins playing. More family joined us that afternoon. Jason's mom Linda and Aunt Tina and Tracy. All the ladies spent much of the day preparing the feast for the evening. Tracy helped Ryann make some special cupcakes for Santa to enjoy. We all enjoyed a great meal that night, including the traditional Christmas ham that Todd's uncle Gene sends every year. Before bed we all went outside so the kids could throw out some carrots for Santa's reindeer. The kids saw the lights of Santa's sleigh in the sky so after putting out Santa's cupcake and Diet Coke the kids got into the bed. It took a long time for the to fall asleep this year. They almost busted Santa once. Made for a very interesting evening! I will be so sad when this part of Christmas ends. More and more questions are being asked and I have a feeling we only have maybe one more year left. I will be heartbroken.
On Christmas morning the kids came running down and had a moment of panic when there were no presents under the tree. Santa was sneaky and moved the loot to in front of the fire place instead. Once they figured it out it was squeals and excitement from that moment on. Santa did not disappoint! About an hour later Caroline woke up to find her stash. After the adults loaded up on caffeine and breakfast casserole we got around to the stockings and gifts. We spent the day relaxing as a family and enjoying watching the kids have fun together. I love Christmas at the Sloan house! Traditions make me happy and we have so many memories there. Eight more months and we get to do it all over again!