Christmas Celebration with the Metzgers & the Youngs

The weekend before Christmas we headed to Greenville to celebrate with Nate's family. On Friday night we ate and opened gifts with his dad, step-mom & brother's family.

Morgan's new earrings from Papa & Nonny's trip to Nova Scotia

Shelby's earrings

Blue iPod shuffle

Pink iPod Shuffle

Junie B. Jones books

Pogo Stick from Uncle Al & Aunt Jill

(Yes, I am well aware of the safety issues of this toy & this child)

Pogo Stick

On Saturday we spent the day with Nate's dad's extended family. We gathered at Grandpa & Grandma Metzger's for lunch. After lunch, the adults participate in an always interesting White Elephant gift exchange while we wait for Santa to arrive following his day job. :) No longer are there children who are frightened by the jolly old man.

Santa always begins with the story of the true meaning of Christmas

He does a question & answer session with the kids about Christ's birth

One by one he pulls a gift out of his bag. The recipient sits on Santa's lap and opens their gift. Morgan was first this year.

Excited to see Santa up close and personal!

Nintendo DS game

Case & accessories for her DS

Thanks Santa!

Shelby's turn

Case for her new DS

After the kids were done and Santa went on his way, we headed in to town to take a "cool" 1 mile ride on a little train at the local Farm Museum. Nate's grandpas both have financially supported this little farmers treasure in the community. It was chilly but truly not terrible as it was warmer that evening than any of the days in the previous 2-3 weeks here! After the train ride, we drove through the Christmas display cases they had lined up. We returned to his dad's house for more food and fellowship with his cousins & rest of the family.

To wrap up our weekend celebration, we spent Sunday with Nate's mom & step-dad, his brother & step-brother's families. A small gathering but more fun for all.

Shelby waiting for a gift to open

Morgan & her stacking Santas

The 3 girls opening the erasers

This year with the Young family, we opted not to do a bunch of gift exchanges. Instead, we combined our money and donated some of it to World Vision to put towards a well for clean water and some to a local Greenville family who needed it more than us. A great way to start off the Christmas season of giving!