Our Christmas

It is the day after Christmas, the house is tidied up, the dishes are washing in the dish washer, a load of laundry is in, the Christmas tree lights are shining, scentsy is burning a wintery scent, and little people are contently playing by my feet with new toys.  I am taking all this in while sipping on a cup of peppermint tea.

Just like that Christmas is over - all the weeks of preparations for gifts, activities, advent calendar ideas, what to make for Christmas dinner, and in a blink of an eye it is over, and now we have to wait a whole year for another Christmas.

****

We had a beautiful family Christmas day, and even though we are far from family, we embraced our day together soaking up all our blessings.

The kids waited anxiously for Nate to get home from work around 8:00am even though they have been awake since 05:30am.  They did great!

Ian requested pumpkin waffles, and even though we usually make those on Thanksgiving, I complied, I had some pumpkin puree, well why not.  I am so glad I did, they were delicious!

We opened our gifts, and the kids loved it.  They were so excited to see all the gifts, even though they had a hard time sitting still, and listening to the Chirstmas story, they did great for a three and one year old.

Hayleigh really didn't care much at first, and then her first gift was a baby, and she was hooked, never letting her go out of her sight.  I loved watching her natural little mother instinct bloom within a few seconds, gently caressing the baby, covering her up with a blanket, pushing her in the stroller, and making sure she has her pacifier.  After a while she got the hang of it, and started to unwrap all her little gifts like a pro.

Ian knew exactly what to do, and so gently helped his sister when she needed help.  He was so excited about his trains collection [I have had it since Aug - found an amazing deal on bookoo, and we split it between his birthday and Christmas.] He was excited and happy about every single gift that he got, and smiled and laughed, and exclaimed bit thanks yous.  My three year old is so sweet, and growing up way to fast.

I was so impressed with our gift selection this year, they didn't get a whole lot, but everything they got was played with and they are actually playing with it right now!!!

Our Christmas morning in pictures.

 We had a delicious Christmas lunch [ham, potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn casserole, and cupcakes for dessert.] It was amazing, even if I have to pat myself on the back!

We spent the rest of the day watching corny Christmas movies, being lazy, taking small naps, laying in the couch, watching the kids play and play and play, building train tracks, building blocks, building puzzles, reading books, taking care of babies, and loving on each other!

We are so blessed, there is nothing more that I want then my little family, all together making memories, and sticking together, no matter what.  I am grateful for my healthy and beautiful children, that the Lord entrusted me with.

Family Christmas is the best.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!