Christmay Day: Part 2

This whole day has been a big blur... I can't remember where I left off.

I thought things would be sort of quiet this afternoon, after our busy morning, but it actually got crazier. I had no idea that ALL of the staff were being served dinner as well. We started by moving gift bags back to the house AGAIN (keep in mind they weigh about 25 lbs a piece!) and then we had to move tables and chairs up to the balcony for the 17 of us to eat. Joe and I helped Dixie realize that there was no way we were going to fit the food and tables in that room. And then we setup an area outside for the staff to eat as well.

As the food started to come in - I was in shock. The meals just keeping getting bigger and better!

At about 5pm, all of the Toddler House nannies showed up dressed to kill! :-) It was so much fun to see them in their dresses and make-up! Dixie told all of the Main House nannies/cooks to go get changed as well... :-) Somehow, I was designated "picture-taker-person" so I was trying to be everywhere at once, taking photos of the head chef and all of the nannies. Dixie was quite irritated at one point as we were waiting for all of the employees to get changed and some were taking far too long to get ready!

Dinner was fabulous and we enjoyed our visit/eating on the balcony. It was a beautiful evening - hard to believe we had a tropical storm the other night.

After dinner, we helped Dixie give out bonus checks, the gifts and gave the staff kisses and wishes of a "Joyeux Noel." The Toddler House nannies were ready to go back home, and Dixie looked around for assistance, realizing that they wouldn't all fit in one car with James. So guess who got to drive in Haiti?! JOE! Woo-Hoo! He filmed it and it was quite funny... He describes it as being fun and adventurous.

And then! We did two rounds of playing Santa, giving out little gifts and candy. The nannies LOVED it and ended up singing Jingle Bells to us... And I am officially no longer afraid of them! And that, my friends, is a big deal. :-)

We spent a bit of time with Samuel tonight - but the boys were taking up the living room, playing with their new PlayStation games, so we went up to the balcony, but it was a bit chilly to stay too long.

After all the ruckus & festivities were over... we took in a deep breath and said "this was one of the best Christmas's we have ever had." We worked our tails off - but had some awesome opportunities to give back... and wouldn't have changed a thing! We thank God for this day - and what it means to us.