We had a great Christmas season.
This was the best Christmas to date with the littles. It was such a fun year. I could see the magic and fun of the season coming alive through their eyes. They even took it upon themselves to create little Christmas displays in each of their rooms. Be still my heart.
We usually set up this pink ballerina tree in Chloe's room.
I guess it wasn't enough, because she also set up this little display on her dresser after rummaging through a few of our Christmas storage boxes. Oh, and she had Chris put Christmas lights around her mirror.
Evan set up his own Christmas display on his train table.
We went through our Christmas Eve routine.
We read our final Christmas book.
We sprinkled our reindeer food in the front yard. We didn't get around to making it this year, but luckily for us, we received some as "party favors" at the meet-and-greet with the Nutcracker dancers.
Evan decided it was easier to dump his reindeer food. As Evan would say, " Easy, peasy!"
I received a ninja-bread cookie making kit from one of my co-workers for my birthday. Thanks, Jennifer! The littles insisted that we make the cookies on Christmas Eve.
Then, we set out milk and cookies for Santa. We set them on the mantle, since we knew that a certain
The littles didn't forget to leave a candy cane for Ellie the Elf with a little note that read, "For Ellie."
It took for-ev-er for Chloe to fall asleep, but I was able to snap this picture of the loot before Chris and I headed to bed.
The following morning, the littles were up super early! Gee, I wonder why?;) They called up the stairs for us. Chris and I took our times rolling out of bed. As we were going down the stairs, I heard Chloe tell Evan to "open this one next!" What!?!! Lucky for us, only one present had been opened by Evan by the time we got downstairs.
The littles opened up their presents to each other.
Then, the present opening madness ensued.
I think Chris enjoyed some of the gifts more than the kids!
The kids made out like bandits this year. In retrospect, we over-bought for the littles. Next year, Chris and I plan to tailor down the number of gifts.
Luke, our naughty boy, made out well, too. I told the kids that since Luke was on Santa's naughty list, I decided to get him a few stocking stuffers, so he wouldn't feel left out on Christmas. He wasted no time breaking the squeaker in this toy and tearing up the tennis ball of another one of his new toys toys. However, he still marches around the house with both toys like we should be jealous. Ha!
A little later that morning, my brothers came by for Christmas lunch.
Lola was visiting my Aunt Mela in Texas. However, I did snap this picture earlier in the month when she took the kids to the mall for an outing and Santa photos.
After lunch, we headed over to my in-laws for Christmas in the country.
We enjoyed food and time with family.
And of course, there were more presents.
After the present opening, we were able to get a family photo.
That was how we spent our Christmas Eve and Day, but it's not Christmas around here until we've visited with Aunt Dana and Uncle Tommy!
The littles love seeing their Cousin Jack. They don't have any first cousins yet, so it's always exciting for them when we get to spend time with our extended family over the holidays.
Here were a few pictures of Christmas with Aunt Dana and Uncle Tommy.
I couldn't resist throwing in this one of Nana! Nana is known for canning her vegetables and fruits. Aunt Dana jokes that she finds the smallest jars for her canned veggies and fruits, so as a gag gift, gave her ginormous jars for canning.
That was our Christmas! I hope you enjoyed reading about it as we enjoyed living it. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! And as always, don't forget the true "reason for the season", the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
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