Colorado Cousins for Christmas

So, now that we live in the west, it is so much easier to get to see family around the Christmas holidays.  That was pretty much impossible for us when we lived in New England.  We're so lucky that Evan and Janie drive down for Christmas each year.  They are the most thoughtful and generous kids.  I'm always blown away with the things they think of, carefully shop for, and make, for Grace and Harriet.  They always bring presents for Shadow and Velvet too.  I need to be more like them.

Our favorite things to do with them include going out to eat, playing pool, catching a movie, and endless video games.

Grandma hosted a big Christmas Day present opening party and dinner.  Followed by her famous board game Olympics and prize box.  

If you're going to play a game with a Chapman.  Be prepared to lose (they are somehow extremely excellent at every game they play.)  Or, be prepared to spend the day with a sore loser who made a fatal mistake.  (They do not take it lightly when they lose!)  These guys take their game playing seriously.  All rules must be followed.  All jokes aside, the grandkids look forward to playing games and they love Grandma's prize box even more.  She is super creative with the things she puts in there.  When newly married and poor, I'm not ashamed to say that David and I gladly took home a package of toilet paper from her box.  She has just the right thing in there for every person.

Thanks Chapman (and Vigil - technically you are Chapmans to me) folks for all the great Christmas celebrating!