I had hoped to have many blog entries for Dec-07 since the holidays are one of my favorite times of year (spring blossoms & autumn apple picking make up the others), but the entire family has been suffering from sicknesses. First it was the twins with a mild cough & runny nose, then mommy with a full blown sinus infection and not just one by two ear infections, then it was the twins again - this time with ear infections, and now daddy (who is usually resilient to the winter sniffles) is under the covers trying to beat the bug. We are on the mend.
The sharing of Christmas gifts actually started the weekend before when Kevin & I went to the National Theatre to see Spamalot. Sinus infections weren't going to stop us from laughing until it hurt. The show was fantastic! While in DC, sans the twins, we got to do something we haven't done in a long time - eat at a restaurant, just the two of us. Since we had to park about ten blocks from the theatre, the cold walk back to the car forced us to find an eatery en route. Once Kevin saw a big screen tv with the Cowboys/Eagles game, the Capitol Brewery was it. We weren't dressed for five stars & given the holiday season where reservations are a must (something else we didn't make), a local pub was just perfect.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day were spent at home. I was not organized this year. Since our top floor is still being remodeled, finding closet space to hide gifts over the last few months has been a challenge. We exchange gifts with a few families in our neighborhood and I'm embarrassed to admit I was not prepared. Every time I thought I was done, I'd remember something else that had to be purchased. Kevin was blessed to have four days off in a row and helped to keep the twins away from the ribbons & bows. They can do serious damage with double-sided tape in a matter of seconds. We ordered Sushi on the eve, watched some football and waited for the twins to fall asleep. Kevin, being the good daddy, stayed up to put together all the toys Santa had bought - a Little Tikes kitchen for Kathryn & a Little Tikes work bench for John. 1 1/2 hours later all the gifts were assembled without too many complications.
Christmas Day began before the sun rose. 5:17am to be exact. Kathryn rarely gets up before John, but she was the first to awake that morning. Because of the remodeling, we all slept in the basement - like a camp out but with blow-up mattresses instead. The twins loved it! Santa was very generous and left them goodies - lots of books, some musical instruments (xylophone, accordion, tambourine, etc.), and puzzles. And, a Mr. & Mrs. Potatohead collection. John quickly joined Kathryn in the living room for some pre-dawn playtime. I tried to capture their Christmas morning excitement - please enjoy some photos.
After some coffee, a bath and a Christmas morning omelet, we headed to Grandma & Grandpa's for a day with the Busardo/Ferrandina family + Uncle Eddie (Kevin's brother). We gathered around the poinsettia for some egg nog and appetizers. This was followed by a lovely meal prepared by Grandma Busardo. With holiday music on the radio, Aunt Kitty and I distributed the gifts. Gifts are opened in the order of eldest to youngest. We were all spoiled - even the dogs. Since Uncle Eddie had just returned from Richmond, he brought with him the generous gifts from the Glasscock family. The twins received so many nice things this year!!!
John & Kathryn were on their best behavior the entire day - and Christmas day was a long day. Considering they didn't nap (too much excitement & colors) they never melted. Kevin and I marveled at their politeness. After a hearty meal and lots of laughter, we packed up the minivan and headed back home. The twins shut their eyes about ten minutes into our trip. The day after Christmas was spent putting away the holiday decorations. The only decorum left are the two lighted reindeer in the front yard. After her nap, Kathryn says to me 'oh no, Christmas tree gone'. Now I must focus on our thank you notes.
With happiness comes sadness. We had to say goodbye to a family pet - Tails (aka - Tailer), who died yesterday after being a part of the Busardo family for 13 years. He lived a rich life of pig ears, hot dog treats, and a green ball that he cherished like a child with a security blanket. Sherman and Amira have lost a playmate, our family lost a great companion.
Happy 2008 to all who read this blog. I promise more pictures and posts in the year to come.
