Merry Christmas

We were spoiled for yet another year for Christmas! The boys awoke early on Christmas and very patiently took turns opening presents. All the gifts have been opened and played with many times so far. The last gift that was opened was a Wii. Joe and I went back and forth for a long time on this one (neither one of us like video games and didn't want the kids to just sit and stare at a TV) We both figured that if we set the ground rules and the games they play require them to move around a bit than it would be okay. Hunter was literally moved to tears. He started crying when he opened the box (he had been told that it was too expensive and we were not getting one) The entire family has played it and has had fun. They only get 30 minutes a day when they are on break and then they can't play it during the school week so hopefully it will work out. We went to the neighbors for a Christmas grill out and will be going down the street for a Boxing Day (she is Canadian) dinner on the 26th. Hope everyone had a safe Christmas and will have a happy new year.

Camping Fun

We decide to go camping for a mini vacation for the boys. The plan was to leave on Sunday and come home Christmas Eve morning. Well, everything started off as planned. We got to Okuma (an Air Force run place) and set up the camp. On the way there, I realized I forgot to pack the towels and flashlights but then remembered our neighbors would be up here too and we could just borrow some. About half way there, I asked Joe if he packed Brody's shoes and he told me that he thought I did. I remembered taking the shoes out but never put them in the bag. So, Brody's tennis shoes sat at home on the couch. He was asked to put shoes on before we left and he choose cowboy boots that are too big. That is why I pulled out the tennis shoes but never put them in the bag. It was warm and sunny when we got there, we set up the tent, the boys went swimming and played in the sand. In the middle of the night, the wind picked up and the rain started to come. It was freezing (50's) the next morning. We ate breakfast in the car (to stay out of the wind), the boys went putt putt golfing but it was too cold to do anything else. We hung out at the neighbors, who were smart and got a cabin, but it was even too windy to start a camp fire. We managed to get one going and roasted s'mores in that fire. By the end of the day, I told Joe that it was too cold to stay another night and he agreed. We came home that evening but did rent a 4-seater bike right before we left so the kids could say we did something!!! Note to self...never go camping in December!!!

Brody's Christmas Program

Brody's preschool put on a performance for the last day of school before break started. It was called "Christmas Around The World". Brody lead the K-3 class in the Mexican Hat Dance. He actually was the only one who ended up doing anything because the other kids were too busy waving t their parents. He then did "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" with all of the K-4 boys. He was very serious about his dancing. He looked like he was having fun. And finally, he had to recite a part about Christmas in Norway. He is pictured in the end with Miss Tita, the director of Cherry Blossom. It was a very good program and we actually got it on video.

The Real Santa

On Friday, Dec. 12th, Joe's unit had their Christmas party. It was held at the bowling alley. There was free pizza, drinks, cookies and bowling. The only problem was, that it was not just for families. We had to share with the single Marines in the unit too. The boys were able to find a lane to bowl on with some friends. They bowled until Santa came (the "real" one according to Hunter) Brody got all dressed up for the occasion, he wore his clip on tie with a blue dress shirt and jeans (he didn't want to be too fancy!) We were there most of the day, a good Galvin never passes up free food and drinks! Joe was not able to go with us. He left on Wed. to go to CA for a case that he still has. He was in court for a half day only, so I really think it was a waste of time. He was able to get his Christmas shopping done. The neighbors had given him a list of things for him to pick up, so he was a busy man. I even had my friend, Kim, pick some stuff up for him so he wasn't running all over CA. He went to visit Kim and our neighbors The Shaws. The boys were excited that dad got to see Trent & Travis and Evan & Wyatt. We are going camping next week so I am sure I will have some stories to tell.

Christmas Spirit!

Well, the tree is up and the decorations are out (except for the village) and the boys are counting down the days till Christmas. There is some concern how Santa will get in because we do not have a fireplace. Brody is a little upset that the Advent calendars stop at the 25th of December. He would like to know why it doesn't go to his birthday (the 30th) I tried to tell him that it is only until Christmas but he doesn't want to hear it. So we will continue our Advent Calendar until the 30th of Dec.

We went to the exchange this past week and Santa was sitting there. I told the boys to wave and the elf told them they could go sit on his lap. Hunter got a very serious look on his face while Brody was skipping over to Santa. I asked Hunter what was wrong and he told me that that man is NOT Santa. I said yes it is and he told me that Santa is not black. I turned and looked again and sure enough it was a black man dressed as Santa. I told Hunter to humor me along and just go sit on his lap so Brody wouldn't say anything. They both sat and talked to him but when they told him they wanted a Wii for Christmas, Santa replied " I don't think I can do that." So both boys are upset, Hunter knows this Santa is a fake and Brody is asking us why Santa can't make a Wii in his workshop! I refer him to Joe for that answer. The picture is a picture of a picture so it is not that great.

For those of you in the cold country, I was weeding my flower beds this weekend! No snow to shovel, the boys were in t-shirts (we did wear long pants so it was a little chilly!!!)