Christmas started early this year. We went south to visit Craig's family and then we were back home to celebrate just us and my family. This is a run down of what we did and be advised, this is a long post with lots of pictures.
It all started Thursday night when my mom brought over gifts from Papa and Gigi. HUGE boxes of books, coloring stuff, puzzles, stamps, cards, games. And, Jack got a
Cars Parking Garage, which he hasn't stopped playing with.
Friday, we headed to Vicki and David's. That night, Vicki and I went to get Debby and Brian (Craig's mom and step-dad) from the airport. Unfortunately, they didn't get in until midnight, so we didn't get to sleep until 2am and I had to get up at 7am! Oh well.
Saturday was a whirlwind. We got to Craig's dad's about 10 and stayed until about 4. Craig's aunt, uncle and grandmother came to and we had a great visit with all of them. The kids enjoyed getting their gifts - a new recliner for Jack and a tricycle for Kate. They also got some other great gifts. Again, our kids are TOO blessed.
Saturday night was more family Christmas with Craig's mom's side. We ate and opened gifts and tried to keep our eyes open. We left early and went to get the kids in bed. It was a long day.
Sunday we went to church with Vicki, David, Matt and Dawn. We spent a lot of time just hanging out and relaxing. That is always nice to do during the holidays. We were also given a "date night" and Craig and I went to dinner and left the kids with the grandparents, aunt and uncle.
Monday we got up and left a little around lunchtime to go to Downtown Disney. It was pretty crowded, but the kids enjoyed the shops, merry-go-round and train. Vicki and Debby took the kids back home to nap, while Dawn, Craig and I hit the outlet mall.
After shopping, everyone wanted to go to PF Changs for dinner and I wasn't going to complain. I LOVE that place. We got home late, but had fun and ate great food with family.
Tuesday we came back home but stopped to see Craig's grandfather. We ate some pizza and hit the road. We got home Tuesday night and tried to recover. Debby and Brian came back with us to spend a few more days.
Wednesday we had my parents, Brent, Kimberly and the kids over for dinner and a gift exchange. We ate tacos and Debby made taco soup.
Thursday we opened presents with Gramma and Pa (Brian and Debby) and hung out around the house. This year we decided to do a 3 gift limit with grandparents and us. All other family members were asked to get them no toys, but other types of gifts like clothes, arts and crafts, etc. Jack's big gift from Gramma and Pa was a Firestation and accessories to go with it. Kate got a Cozy Coupe. They both liked them a lot.
Friday was Christmas Eve! That day was spent playing outside for a bit, naps and church at 5. We then went to my parents to celebrate with them and my nieces, nephew and Brent and Kimberly. We exchanged gifts and ate tons of hors d'oeuvres. They were delicious. We also did our Lord's Supper and this year with sang Happy Birthday to Jesus for the kids with a birthday cake!
Mom using the Little People Nativity to demonstrate Jesus' birth. Thank you Bible and Fisher-Price.
The kids on the trikes we got them...they were very excited.
Christmas morning came and it was so much fun this year having both kids look through their gifts and open them. We talked about Jesus birthday, opened their 3 gifts and ate chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. Craig and I did our first "Christmas Eve toy put together" for Jack's scooter and Kate's stroller. It didn't take long and we thought of many more Christmas Eve's like that. We don't do Santa, so all the gifts were from Mommy and Daddy.
Jack (and Tyrone) when he first saw his presents
As soon as she opened the Crocs, she wanted to put them on...typical woman.
Annie getting her treats
Mommy's little helper
After breakfast, we headed outside to play with Kayleigh and Brian. Kayleigh got the same scooter as Jack, but a Disney Princess one. Brian and Kate wandered about and shot some hoops.
Combine snot and dirt and you get this...
Cutest 1 Year Olds I know
We ended Christmas day with dinner at my parents and family. I would have more pictures of the 5 kids but we never seem to get the camera out in time because of all the craziness. Dinner was delicious and we headed home early to get the kids in bed. Now, time to recover.
One of my favorite gifts
I would also like to show you the ridiculousness that comes from having to many things for our kids. I really do appreciate everything they get and the people in our lives, but seriously, there is something wrong with this much stuff. And, this doesn't even show the bigger items they got. Thank you everyone, but maybe next year, just get them cookies or something.
Finally, and most importantly, this really was a wonderful Christmas because it is just another reminder of how wonderful and amazing our God is. Sending His son to earth and live and preach and love and then to die for us is mind-boggling and overwhelming. I am so blessed and thankful for my salvation. I hope as the kids get older each year, we are able to instill in them what it really is about. Christmas is "fun", but if it went away tomorrow, we would still have Jesus. Enjoy this season and new year with your family!
And, check out my Photography Blog for some of my favorite photos and the kids blog for even more photos.
