We warmed up our bodies by going downtown to the Botanical Gardens! Not only is it gorgeous to stroll through, it is filled with many interactive games for the kids. The three sections of the Gardens were all beautifully decorated for Christmas. Even the dessert! One room was 85 degrees and it felt like heaven to these Hoosiers. (Sorry about the poor picture quality but my camera died, thank goodness for cell phones!)
The kids had money and gift cards burning holes in their little pockets so out we went to do our part to fuel the economy! Aurora quickly spent her wad on two dolls and dress up clothes. The boys were more hesitant to spend their money too quickly but did find some more games and a couple baseball hats they could not live without. It was wild at the mall and Toys R Us but well worth it their eyes.
Christmas was of course wonderful at the Kulps! We had a nice quiet morning which included presents, stockings, and Mom McMuffins. (A long time favorite from my childhood!) Austin came late in the morning --more presents...The house filled up in the afternoon for french bread pizzas and more presents! Grandpa Kulp, Grandma Kulp, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Bill, cousins Kristin, Andrew and Andrew's girlfriend Alice all came over! It was a great time--especially playing the game Take Five!
Jackson's favorite gifts: electric guitar, games for the ps3 and DS, magic tricks, and movies
Aurora's favorite gifts: Itty baby doll clothes made by Grammie, TV, dvd player, Mrs Potato Head, Fancy Nancy and Fancy Nancy books
Austin's favorites: Cleveland Browns slippers, Cleveland Browns book, ps3 games, 3d football book, and movies
The kids of course all loved the gift cards and money too!
Santa was very good to the children...Thank you everyone for all the wonderful gifts!
We do not have any big traditions on Christmas Eve other than getting new jammies and slippers. We did go out for Chinese food, watched a movie, tracked Santa on the radar, set out cookies, and waited for those visions of sugar plums...(Which is when the busy time begins for the mommy and daddy!)
Weather has been crazy causing havoc all over the country. In Fort Wayne it is no different. We are used to the snow and cold--but an ice storm slows everyone down. Many have lost their electricity and we have been fortunate enough to keep ours so far. The ice is still clinging to the trees and with wind gusts and more moisture on its way we are holding our breath.
My good friend Maggie lost her electric so she brought the kids (Sydney & Holden) to spend the night at our house to keep warm. (Their daddy spent the night at home trying to make a plan to get the flooded water out of their basement.) It was wild and crazy at the Kulp house but memories were made and the kids were all wonderful.
