Team Chin: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (catch up)

Well, 2010 has come to a close and I have not been on this blog once. But, it's been less than a month this time instead of over a year so, obviously, I'm improving. I'll start by summing up our holidays:

Christmas was absolutely magical this year. I know that sounds so melodramatic but it was absolutely the truth. Since the kids are 2 and 4, they understand the magic of Christmas without yet being caught up in the "I want, I want" of it. They don't know what the "it" toy of the year is and I'm grateful for that. This year, we were able to focus on the wonderment of Santa Claus, the power of the elf on the shelf, and the goodness of giving. Trey made gifts for Bobby and I at preschool and we had to wait until Christmas to open them. I truly believe he was more excited to give us our gifts than to open his own. Although, I think that feeling has passed now that he has the Wii. :)

Bobby and the kids spent the first Sunday of break with the Chin side of the family. They made some traditional Chinese dishes from scratch at Mike and Christy's. I know the kids had a blast playing with (tormenting) the cat and got to experience some of their Chinese heritage. I love that they do that!

Bobby's mom came up from South Carolina and spent some time with us at our house. She took the kids shopping for their gifts and they had a blast. Really, is there anything cooler for a kid than being turned loose in the toy section to "get whatever you want"? The kids had tons of fun playing with all their new stuff with Grandma Kathy and showing her all their new tricks. They definitely love a captive audience!!

The night before Christmas eve, we went to Christmas at the Zoo with some friends. The lights were really cool but it was bitter cold outside so we didn't get to enjoy it as much as we could have. But, the desert was nice and toasty, the dolphin show was cool as always, and my kids love the aquarium. All in all, it was a great prep for the next day.

We celebrated on Christmas eve since I had to work Christmas day. It was just the 4 of us, waking up to presents under the tree, finding Santa's cookies gone, and wearing our jammies all day. I couldn't have asked for a better day. The kids played with all their toys, both Bobby and I got to play with them, and we ordered Chinese take-out so no one had to cook or do dishes. I can't believe how unbelievably lucky I am to have these amazing people in my life. Both the little ones and the big one. I realized over break once again how incredible my husband is, both as a partner and a father. He gets overlooked a lot when I become totally focused on the kids and all the stuff I have to do. I'm thankful that he's a teacher so we get these breaks together to remind me of why I fell in love with him all those years ago.

I had to work Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. One of the disadvantages of working in a hospital--it doesn't close on holidays. My Christmas day shift was great--our pediatrician's parent's brought in a home-cooked meal for us and the SCN staff. We had a nice "family" lunch and a very relaxing day since we sent our 1 patient home early in the morning. Bobby took the kids to Anderson that day to spend it with Kathy and Ralph's family. The rest of my work weekend was nuts--let's just say I felt like a phlebotomist with all the labs I drew, had to have a parent escorted out by security, and worked with 3 different RNs and a PCA (which is crazy since I always work with the same person).

Monday we had some friends over for wine and pizza, both of which ended up on our guest room floor. Don't worry, I won't say how or who. ;)

We headed to Jasper for a Christmas/New Years celebration with my family. Once again, I have to brag about my fam. They open their house to us for as long as we want, whenever we want, and actually enjoy it (or they're very good at pretending they do!). They take care of my kids, cook for us, let Bobby and I sleep in, and countless other wonderful things! I even got to have dinner at the Calumet (yum!) with some old friends while I was in town. We were able to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law, my grandparents, and T and Cassie. Thanks to everyone who took the time to come over and hang out with us. I love that my children get to hang out with their extended family so often!

Our new year's celebration was much different than they used to be. The 4 of us and Gigi and Grandpa Russ put on our PJs and spent the evening playing different Wii games. We put on our hats, tiaras, and leis at 11 (the kids couldn't quite make it to midnight) and blew our horns and noisemakers. Emerson loved yelling "Happy New Year" and Trey thought the horns were awesome. It was a different kind of fun and I loved every second of it! I think we'll definitely do more low-key NYEs like that while the kids are little and still want to hang out with us.

So, now 2011 has begun. Resolutions this year? Nah--we've all seen how well that works for me. But, I am in Operation Bridesmaid for Tara's wedding at the end of this month. That means I have to shove my winter body into a gorgeous, but super form-fitting, satin dress. So, vegetables and Jillian, here I come!

Enjoy some photos from the holiday season!!