Christmas afternoon

Once we got home from church we were lucky enough to get the kids down for a small nap before everyone arrived at our house for an early dinner around 4:00.  This year Jason and I decided to try our hand at frying a turkey.  Fried turkeys was also Jason's dad's thing to do so it is Jason's time now to try it out.  I don't know what we would do without Mr. Google because we seriously used our share to look up how to fry one of these birds.

We found what we hoped was a great recipe for the injection and Jason actually did most of the work on making the injection and of course injecting it.

Off he went to fry the bird.

Watching and waiting

We thought it should only take about 30-40 minutes to fry it but an hour and 20 minutes later he brought it out (the oil wasn't getting hot enough, so he didn't think it was done) and let's just say we were a little nervous that it was going to be a Chevy Chase Christmas turkey.  Thankfully it wasn't - it was just a little dry.  I realized that I got too big of a bird, so we will have to redeem ourselves and try a smaller one real soon.

The weather was absolutely beautiful so the kids enjoyed jumping on the trampoline while we got dinner ready.

Even Allye wanted some of the good food.

After a full meal (minus my dad who was home sick), we got ready to open presents.  We let the kids go first in the playroom.  This year they all opened at the same time - 1 present at a time.  Last year was CHAOS - they all just went and we had no idea what anyone received, so we had to change it up this year.

Sweet Madeline hanging out and taking it all in.

We even had Daniel joining us via Skype.  The kids love to see him on the computer.  Wow at technology.  I really don't see how Jessica does it - 7 months away from her husband, missing Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries, holding a full time job, and being a mom to a 6 year old - wow!!

Then it was our turn, while the kids played with their new toys.  It takes us awhile because we all take turns so we can see what everyone opens - it really is a lot of fun.

Rhonda opening up her new Pandora bracelet

Kim's new rock - really he got a new grill that was in our garage.

Rhonda and all of her grandbabies.

What a wonderful Christmas we all had spending time with family and friends and I just pray that Brody and Trevor understand the true meaning of the season - I think Brody does because I heard him several times schooling Trevor that Christmas is not about the presents and Santa Claus but it's about Jesus' birthday.  I pray that he keeps this close to his heart and doesn't forget the true meaning - it can be so easy to do as a child AND an adult.