((loaded with pictures in this post))

Christmas is over?! How did that happen?! Although short, it was definitely a joyous celebration.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, we let Maui and Hilo open up one of their presents before all of the Christmas festivities started. Their tails would not stop wagging when they ripped the gift wrap in to pieces.

"Hmm... what could this be!?"

"Hilo, I'm going to open yours too!"

I spent Christmas Eve with Gloria and her family. Her sister was so kind enough to have all of us over for a delicious dinner.

Gloria's sister, Rebekah, was so sweet and even got gifts for the pups!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_J_w-4boPw2E/SzXCN29rjRI/AAAAAAAAGqg/EBnRKZQ_R74/s720/DSC_0068.JPG

LEFT to RIGHT: Maui, Hilo, Milo, Mina

Early on Christmas morning, we packed the car up and drove to my parents’ place. When we got there, everyone was already up and antsy to open gifts.

"There are so many presents! They're going out the door!"

Finding a spot for our gift exchange is crucial in our family!

A Christmas tradition - Momma Clause!

"I found my spot, Mommy! Now let's open our presents!"

My brother, Sean, came in with a handful of gifts! :)

Christmas is always spent with my family. :)

"I'm the best present Mommy received... EVER!"

"No, I am because I'm spotted!"

"Opening all of my presents is a workout. Nap time!"

Playing a kiddo game is super fun!

As Deana says, "Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"

All in all, it was a wonderful and joyous day. I didn’t expect anything from anyone this year because I’ve already been majorly spoiled this year, but I received some awesome gifts. My favorite gift was the time I got to spend with my mom; I think we stayed up until 3 in the morning talking about everything and nothing.

The day after Christmas, we all went bowling as a family. Even my mom decided to rent some shoes and play along; this was her first time to bowl, by the way!

Go, Mom, go!

Nice hair, Scott. lol. I guess Gloria didn't get the memo to turn and look at the camera!

I'm HORRIBLE at bowling, but I'm GREAT at waiting for my turn. ;)

…so there you have it — my weekend in a nutshell. There’s at least a couple hundred more photos, but it would take forever for me to share all of them. :)

On another note…

What  do you all plan on doing for New Year’s? Leave a comment to this post by 11:59 PM, December 31st, Thursday, to be entered into a chance to win at least $25 worth of scrapbooking supplies! Share the news (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc.), and your name will be put into the hat FIVE times. Make sure to let me know if you shared the giveaway.

…and if you are in the mood for giveaways, there’s another one here. You could win some free Jenni Bowlin stuff. :)

I’ll be back with more. Besides, we are headed into a new year! 2009 was so good to me, but I know 2010 is going to be even better.

Hugs,

sarah.