So I got the camel head...basically I'm in charge this year. So this is how it is going to go...
* Everyone is going to be involved, including Mariana (I think...I haven't talked to her yet...anyone have her phone number so I can call and confirm?).
* We will do the gift exchange after christmas. Probably on the 28th or 29th of December when everyone is in town together.
* You will be giving a FAMILY gift. If you have someone with kids like my family, you can gear it towards the kids if you want, or just something nice for Tom and I, or something the whole family would like. Since it is after Christmas, let's not worry about "getting" more presents so don't do individual things (ie: a shirt for Tom, lotion for Kim, a game for Cameron, and a car for Braden). Let's keep it simple and thoughtful. This should not be a stressful time of year...so don't make it stressful! Last year Christian gave our family the Harry Potter series and we have enjoyed it a TON!!! It was a great idea! Thanks Chris!
* As far as price goes, let's keep it $40-$50.
I need everyone to email me with the following information:
Who did you give to the last 2 years. I know we were on a "schedule" a few years back but now we aren't and I want to make sure you aren't always giving to the same people. So rack your brain and get back to me. As soon as i hear from everyone, I'll juggle around names and give everyone an assignment. Also, if you have any "requests" (you have a GREAT idea for a certain person/family and you really want to give to them), let me know and i will TRY to accomodate. The key word is TRY!
I'm really excited for Christmas and more excited to see everyone after Christmas! Since I'm on the bandwagon right now I have a few other ideas about our get together. Since I'm the "guest" in Vegas this can get over-rided by you guys but what about if we all take a night to cook dinner (or pick-up dinner). Each "house" can take a night and the people there help out. We could do a Taco night, a pizza night, and a soup night for example. Then we can get babysitters one night and all go out to Cheescake Factory. Then people hosting don't feel like they have to cook every night.
Anyways, we are so excited! Oh, and don't forget the big event on December 31st...Tom's birthday!!! You guys have never been able to celebrate with us so I'm really excited to party harty! No gifts please, just white elephants. So between now and then, try to find (literally in your garage?) something you think tom would "treasure" and that we can all get a good laugh out of. You are all creative!
