Holidays

Here comes all the fuss.....the holidays are here.  My husband's kids and my kid's are so spread out.  We gave up the idea of big family gatherings right after we met in April 2002.  I think we tried one big gathering (most made it) but can't really call it a success.  I made the whole Thanksgiving dinner for my step-children.  Took 2 days preparing.  We were so excited to have everyone together.  Then...it happened.  The complaining about what WAS NOT for dinner.  We didn't hear gratitude and love.   We only heard the negative.  No one helped with the cleanup.  So we gave up.  We've gone to Vegas for the holidays instead.  My Dad has joined us from northern California and we've had a wonderful time!  We've eaten at McDonalds and a hotel cafe for the holidays.  So, my point would be that it's about being together and enjoying each other!  Our children don't really appreciate spending time with their parents and siblings, it's more for a free meal and split to greener pastures for the night.  We will wait until the kids mature more and invite US next time!