Jessica was excited to pass out gifts to everyone. Of course, it only lasted half-way bc then she was too busy with her own gifts.

Stephanie

Stephanie got a new bedroom set (comforter and sheets), a lot of clothes which thankfully were “cool,” and a bunch of jewelry.

Richard enjoying many a mug of brandied eggnog.

Jessica with a gift by the tree.

Jessica and mom. Mom somehow got trash duty and Jess was making the most trash, I think.

Amanda had dad’s name. The only thing that dad said he wanted was a drill, so that’s what he got.

Dad had Amanda’s name. She got a new set of towels, each individually wrapped. Also, it wouldn’t be a gift from dad without duct tape.

Mom & Jess goofing around. Jess was probably getting bored now that all of her gifts were open! She got a lot of clothes and movies and bedding. Mostly all Hello Kitty and Hannah Montana themed.

Mom had Richard’s name and gifted him some Rock Band accessories, a book and some ear bands (coming in handy right now, I’m sure).

I had mom’s name. I gave her a book she wanted to read and a certificate for a manicure and pedicure. She’s been wanting to treat herself.

Dallas has had to travel the last two long weekends for work and my sister-in-law works a lot of weekends at the hospital, so it was impossible to find a time when all of us could get together for Christmas. Dallas ended up missing out this weekend when all of my family came down from Wisconsin to celebrate. Jessica and Stephanie got to open gifts from Dallas and me and my parents. The adults all do a gift exchange where you just draw one name and buy that one person a gift. I got a bottle of wine, a wine cooler and a bunch of wine glasses. My cheap-o wine glasses keep breaking every time we use them so this was a much-appreciated gift.

Also note, Dallas got me an external flash for my camera and I practiced using it this weekend. I think the photos look so much better than with the on-camera flash, but if you have any tips for me, feel free to leave a comment or email me. Still learning how to use it most effectively.

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