Sorry for the delayed update, but SS20 and his fiancee headed back just a few days ago and I've been crazy-busy. This is long...

No worries - we did NOT accept 'Ho's invite to "watch the kids open prezzies". But 'Ho certainly made her presence known before, during, and after the skid invasion...

DH's phone rang at 7:14am Christmas morning. SS17. (we were already awake - yay!) "Merry Christmas, son!"
Only it wasn't SS17. It was 'Ho.
Ho: ~giggling~ It's not SS17. It's me!
DH: WTF do you want?
Ho: Last chance! Are you two coming over to watch the skids open prezzies?
DH: F*CK NO. ~click~
Have I mentioned how much I love this man?

The skid invasion was planned for 2pm. I had everything ready at 1:30pm, but the skids did NOT arrive early. Yay! Here was a big surprise: the skids came with gifts. For us!!! Color me surprised! Greetings and hugs abounded - for DH and me. I was starting to wonder if I was dreaming...

SD23 brought her fiance and started to introduce him. He shook DH's hand, turned to me and said, "Oh, I remember you!" and gave me a rib-cracking hug. Apparently, I made a good impression 5+ years ago. SD23 hugged me like she was clinging to a life preserver, "I'm so glad to see you and I'm so sorry I've been so awful. I hope we can talk later." (This was certainly a different SD23...)

Drinks were poured, the mini buffet was raided, and we sat around eating, drinking, and talking. SGS4, the Prince of Shy, crawled on my lap with a book and said "Wead pwease, Gwamma." (How do you resist that?) SGS9 sidled over to listen while I quietly read the story. It was a little melt-my-heart moment and I was really starting to think I was dreaming...

Cue the drama.

SD23: SS17, where is your phone?
SS17: In my pocket. Why??
SD23: Mom texted me to ask WTH you are. I thought maybe you left your phone there.
~SS17 pulls his phone out of his coat pocket~
SS17: My phones says I'm right here!! ('Ho has a tracker installed on his phone)
~SD23 texting furiously~
SD23: You better text mom. She's freaking the f*ck out.
SS20: FFS, mom knows he rode with me! Tell her to stop being such a GD stalker. 
SD23: YOU tell her! 
~SS20 pulls out his phone and texts~

DH (trying to break up the moment): SO! Was Santa good to you at your mother's? (that tone when he says it!)
~long pause~
SD26: We didn't go.
SS17: It sucked.
Financee: Well, *I* had a good one.
SD23: It was okay.
Fiance: ~smiles weakly~
SS20: It sucked balls.
~reaaaaally long pause~

DH: Well. I'm sorry to hear that. 
SS17: SS20 wouldn't wear those stupid pajamas mom bought so she wouldn't give him his presents.
SS20: Those pajamas are LAME and there's nothing I need bad enough to put 'em on. They suck.
~I'm biting my tongue to keep from laughing~
SGS4: Gwamma 'Ho suck!
SD26: Honey, don't say that!
~her DH starts laughing quietly~
SGS4: Gwamma 'Ho SUCK!
SD26: Ssssshhhhhhhh...

At this point, I can taste blood in my mouth, so excused myself to go to the bathroom. I made a quick stop in our bedroom to scream with laughter - muffled by the pillow in which I buried my face - then went to the bathroom to tinkle and repair my makeup. When I came out, SD23 was waiting for me.

SD23: Aniki, can we talk for a minute? Please?
Me: Oh, okay. What's up?
SD23: Aniki. You... Well... I... You... I'm... AnikiI'veBeenATotalBitchToYouAndI'mReallySorry! ~flings her arms around me and starts crying~
Me (feeling like Sheldon): There, there... ~awkwardly patting SD23 on the back~
SD23 (still crying): I hope I can make it up to you. Dad, too. I need to apologize to Dad, too. What can I do to make it better? What do I need to do?? ~clings harder and sobs~ (wow)
Me: Oh, well, gosh. Just give me a chance, SD23. I'm not the enemy. 
SD23: You're always so nice and I've been such a b!tch! I'm sorry, Aniki!! ~hugs me harder~
Me: It's okay, SD23. We all go through things. 
SD23: I don't deserve it. I've been so AWFUL to you. I'm SO SORRY!!!  ~gulping, wracking sobs~ (damn)
Me: It will be alright, SD23.~still patting/rubbing awkwardly~
SD23; I promise I'll be different. I'm sorry!!! ~sobs winding down~
Me: Okay. It will be okay. Let's both start over.
SD23: SD26 was right! You're just the nicest person ever! ~hugs me harder~
Me: Why don't you wash your face? Let me get you a washcloth.
SD23: Thank you. ~hugs me again~

The rest of the invasion went smoothly. Presents were opened, The SGSSs loved the books we got them (SGS9 immediately sat down to read one) and the skids (and the fiance/financee) all loved the goodie bags of treats I put together. DH and SD23 were in the kitchen for awhile (he told me afterwards that she apologized profusely for being "such a b!tch").

We received some very nice gifts. Yes, WE! DH got a variety of VERY nice fishing equipment from all of the skids. I got wine and cheese (SD26 and hubby), a basket of coffee samples (SD23 and fiance), a basket of bath stuff and lotions (SS20 and fiancee), and a gift certificate to my fave coffee place (SS17). This was not a dream!

A couple of hours after they all left, DH and I were relaxing with whiskey (me) and tequila (DH), when his phone rang: SS20. 

DH: Hey, son. ~pause~ Oh, hang on.... (hand over phone)
Baby, is it okay with you if SS20 and his fiancee stay tonight?
Me: Oh. Sure.
DH: Come on over. I'll unlock the door.

They ended up staying with us until they headed back home. Turns out SS20 and 'Ho has a YUGE fight about him not wearing those damn pajamas. SS20 offered to go stay in a hotel but DH told them they were welcome to stay with us (yes, he asked me first). Wonder how that's going to play out down the line with 'Ho...