Christmas in Lake Charles

Our time in Lake Charles was short, but that didn't stop us from having fun!  

Our trip started off with my mom showing us the new playroom she made in her house.  She ended up taking down her 'attic/storage' room and setting up play areas for all the kids.  There was a doll area, a train table, riding toys, tool benches, arts and crafts table, and more.  It was perfect to send the kids upstairs and let them play in one area and know they couldn't mess anything up or get hurt.  We were even smart enough to install a nanny type cam where we can watch the kids from downstairs.  

We spent lots of nights together at my parents house, hanging out, eating, and of course, the kids playing.  I try to soak up as much family time when we're home since we miss everyone so much when we're gone.  For Christmas, my dad got extra seats attached to his golf cart.  This way, it's easier to fit all 7 grandkids for a ride versus taking the kids in groups or having everyone smashed together.  The kids always look forward to Captain's golf cart rides.

 Since we were leaving the states a few before Christmas day, we all got together one morning the weekend before and celebrated together.  The morning was so much fun.  We let the kids open all their presents from my parents first so we can see what all they get and so they can have stuff to occupy themselves while the adults open presents.  It was precious to see all their reactions to the new toys and clothes and they always seemed to admire what the other kids got, too.

Books, toys, movies, clothes, golf clubs, BBQ pits, dolls, key boards, dragons, remote control cars, dinosaurs, and more all got opened Christmas morning.  It really was a fun morning for everyone.

After the kids got their big gifts, it was time for the adults to open presents.  I forgot to take pictures of that, but we were all truly blessed.  I spent the rest of the day packing up our gifts to ship back to Saudi.  Do you know how hard it is for kids to understand why you're taking away their brand new toys/gifts right after they got them, only to know they won't see them for another few weeks.  Poor guys.  As you can see, Miles was a huge help in the packing department.