Christmas details . . .

Well, I feel like I just finished a marathon and, in a way, I have. Christmas Eve I worked most of the day, came home to try and help my mom get ready for guests and then spent time with the fam. It was very wonderful to see everyone, but just so tiring as well! My mom made real mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, honeybaked ham, and broccoli and cheese. My grandma brought green jello and my dad bought the Costco chocolate cake. Yum!

My sister may have been more exhausted than me, since she was on her second family gathering with the four kids in tow. Gloria was so thrilled to see James and Danny and kept hugging them. It was really cute (I included a picture of Gloria hugging James) to see them being so loving with each other.

That night I was up until 4 am by myself, being emotional and crazy. I actually talked with Kevin's friend, George (Bud), on the phone for a while. I may have frightened him with my weeping, but he was really forgiving. He had called me to wish me a Merry Christmas and I picked up the phone and just got emotional. The poor guy probably felt like he got WAY more than he bargained for. I still haven't even been able to visit Kevin in a week and feel really upset about it. Actually, I am almost angry that I haven't even had a chance to stop by and get five minutes to myself to be sad with him. Still, I am making it through. Tomorrow I definitely plan on going and getting my time in.

Christmas day I woke up and opened presents with my parents before rushing off to the Henrys to open presents and eat a fantastic quiche. Then, we drove to Ottawa to spend the day with the extended Henry family. It was great to see everyone and have them enjoy seeing Gloria. Grandma Henry seemed so sad missing her son, Rick. We agreed that for whatever reason this second Christmas without Rick and Kevin seems worse than the first. I forgot my camera so I have no pictures of that event. Mama Paparazzi failed her duties - so sorry.

Tomorrow I go to see my friend since grade school, Sarah, and her daughter Anna. They are visiting from Colorado and little Anna is only three months younger than Gloria. It should be a LOT of fun. Later this week I am planning on taking Gloria to Brookfield Zoo to see the lights with George and his daughter, Allie, as well as my sister-in-law Liz. That is going to be the highlight of my week. Gloria loves to see Christmas lights so I want to live up every moment I can with her until all of the lights come down.