A Penne for your Thoughts: Christmas Has Come and Gone...

I can't believe it - the holidays have come and gone already. I have to admit I was a bit stressed out before Christmas thinking of everything that needed to be done, bought, people to visit, etc. However, after all is said and done, it was a great holiday and we are so lucky to have so much family to visit with. It was a very busy time making sure we fit everyone in, but we did and I am so happy that it all worked out! We had Christmas with my dad at our house a couple of days before the 25th, my mom was here from North Bay to stay with us for a few days (I love being able to have overnight guests now!); we had a great Christmas Eve dinner at Bev and Luigi's; Christmas dinner was with Jason's mom Linda, Alois and his three sons, and Jason's brother Pete and girlfriend Carolyne; and finally we had a lovely meal with Jason's dad Bob, Lanto, and his sisters Carol and Jenny on Boxing Day. Brayden celebrated with his new brother and his dad's family before Christmas so it was really great to have him with us all day on Christmas. Brayden finally admitted to me that he 'knew the secret' and this was the first year ever that he didn't put cookies out for Santa. Each year my mom brings him some 'reindeer food' to sprinkle on the lawn. Brayden obliged Grandma and put on his boots, but on his way outside he told her 'This isn't happening next year Grandma...' It was too funny! I suppose 10 years of him believing was a good run! I had to work between the holidays since I don't have any vacation time built up yet at my new job. Speaking of which...I LOVE my job at the hospital! I won't go on and on about it like I have been doing lately (sorry everyone...) but I am so very happy there and really made a wise decision!

Here are some photos from Christmas.