Living Life...

Living Life...

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

December – Mirko and Natalia’s Visit – Christmas Day..!

Natalia and Mirko were able to experience their first Christmas here in the United States.  I still remember my first Christmas in Argentina and the differences in how we celebrate the holidays.  In Argentina Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve with a dinner and then a toast at midnight and gifts for the children… and then of course eating and visiting until early morning.  Christmas Day most people hang out and eat more food or go to the river to cool off. 

Christmas in Washington is nothing like that… My father made us French toast for breakfast and then we watched Shane empty his stocking and open his gifts.  It was rather funny to watch his expression when he opened his Kindle Fire.  For some reason he thought we had wrapped his “old” kindle and given it to him for Christmas.  He was super excited when he realized it was a kindle fire with access to internet and the availability to have apps and games.  


Stocking full of dark chocolate... 


Shane enjoying his new Kindle Fire


My Grandma and Willie stopped by for a short visit before everyone else arrived in the afternoon.  We were smart and took all the cousin and family pictures first off.  Then since dinner wasn’t quite ready we opened presents.  Usually we start with the younger child and open one at a time until everyone has opened their presents… but this time we started with Natalia and Mirko.  They were shocked at the amount of gifts they received from my family… of course they were typical Seattle gifts for them to enjoy things from our culture.  Of course the children loved all their presents including the hats that Mirko and Natalia brought from Argentina.  

Grandma and Me on Christmas Day..! 


"Cousins" Picture... missing Jeremy's Family..!


Jimmy, Karen and Family

Dan, Kim and Girls... 

Matthew, Shane and I

Mirko, Natalia, and the Kids... 

Mom and Dad

Natalia opening her gifts... 

Aliya and Elizabeth excited about their gifts... 

James and Josiah loving their new football cards... 

Shane got a leather wallet from Argentina.. 

Karen loves her new manger scene... 

Dan and Kim opening gifts... 

Merry Christmas Mom...

Opening my presents... my real gift was Natalia and Mirko in town

First gift for the baby... 


We spent the rest of the evening eating and hanging out.  Shane and James had a blast playing minecraft.  They then decided to teach Mirko and Natalia how to play blackjack; in which Natalia ended up winning the game.  Of course, we ended the day singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and eating pie.  It was the perfect Christmas Day and I am so glad I was able to celebrate with friends from Argentina and allow them to enjoy the time with my family. 

Enjoying a typical Christmas lunch... and dinner

Shane excited for some good food... 

Cuddling with my love.... 

Cards and Birthday singing to Jesus..!

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