It took Glee, and Marylou and I most of the morning to get it all sorted out.
The lists were checked and checked again to be sure no child was forgotten.
Some gives were for the house but the kids would get to open them on Christmas morning.
Ladies from the park went out for a Christmas lunch and then enjoyed wrapping all the presents.
Meanwhile, the guys enjoyed coffee and Jack's stories.
"Mama" kept track of us all and watched over the presents as we readied the tubs to go into the van headed for Mexico.
Marylou, with Santa watching, gave us all directions as to what would happen the next day.
When we got to The House in Mexico on Christmas Eve day, the presents were unloaded and placed under the tree - some of the children were there and could hardly contain themselves.
Dalia even painted the door for the occasion. (We will get the rest of the place done in January.)
Boys were quick to hide and bug Mike - they love to have him around.
There was a bit of posing for pictures, just like any family celebration.
Oh, I forgot to tell you, we were playing with balloons...
Little Miss E just watched for awhile.
Of course, we needed group photos, but where was Dalia???
Okay, now we have everybody, oh but Miss E turned around...
We'll try again, oh but off goes one of the babes. Typical pictures from a very fun "Family" gathering.
Everyone enjoyed clowning around.
Puzzles were brought out to occupy the children for a short time.
Ana's family was there to enjoy the festivities with us.
Another couple of adults arrived with gifts for the children and for the house.
A song or two
and finally, it was time for those presents.
Some just seemed to admire the package before opening it...
And all looked carefully at each little item that those boxes contained.
There was something for everyone - this young man seemed happy with his shampoo and a real baseball.
And this young lady was thrilled with her own personal crayons in a case with her name on it.
Little Miss E loved the candy cane
and the cookies.
In that box that this fellow would not release was a coloring book, a Jesus Loves Me (in Spanish) coloring book, crayons, colored pencils, regular pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, a toy car, a pair of socks and a candy cane and a small package of cookies. Not a lot to some, but he was so pleased that he would not even let go of the gift tag on which his name was printed.
This one took out the car and did not let it go!
The barrettes in the girls packages were quickly put to use.
As a present to us, Feliz Navidad followed by "Gracias" and hugs...(sorry, at the end I forgot to shut off the camera.)
Each child also got a beautiful stuffed animal - new or like new - donated of course.
It doesn't seem to matter the age or gender, people like stuffed animals!
I take her picture so she wants to take mine.
Then it was time for a special lunch - hot dogs in buns and chips with dip, cookies for dessert.
After a bit of playtime with some new "house gifts", it was time for us to head home. Marylou stayed at the house for the night and Christmas morning some of the people from the park went back to the house for the delight of Christmas Morning.
Hope your Christmas was filled with the smiles of family and friends, and the joy of giving.
Till next time, remember to listen when God whispers and respond when He nudges.
Feliz Navidad
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