Christmas

I'm not sure how we are going to be able to function when we move back to the states.  These last two  years of Holidays has been quite different that what we are accustomed to.   Typically we race around for several days seeing lot's of family and squeezing in many, many events and in the end we are all extremely exhausted!  Now, don't get me wrong, I actually love every minute of it.  I loved growing up with two large families and cramming all of our extended family into my Nannies and Grandma's house's with lot's of good food, people sitting on every surface imaginable and 20 kids running about.  Some of my very best memories are of the times spent with my family during gatherings for a holiday or celebration.  But, a very big But, when you don't live near by and your traveling on the holidays and you have many children in tow, and your now married, so you have double the stops to make, it really becomes exhausting and to be honest, a bit overwhelming for the kids (and parents!)  and before you know it the day isn't even what is was supposed to be about anymore, just buyness instead of enjoyment and remembrance and worship.  So these last two years have been a bit of a change of pace for us.  We opened presents all day long!  Only a few at a time, they got to enjoy them and play with them and then we would move on to something else.  No rush, just enjoyment.  I do miss family though and can't wait to get back to see everyone and all of those familiar sights and smells on Holidays, but for now, we are going to enjoy the slow pace!

The kids woke up to Buddy the Elf amongst some PRESENTS!

All eager little one's excited to see what is inside!

Emma Ann received a harmonica and played us many a tune.  She is a natural!  She had to be with as much signing as she does!

Ethan Jay loves his crocodile puppet.

And Evie Kaye got this really cute pink guitar!

The sweet baby slept right though it!

Then we headed to breakfast where we did our Birthday Party for Baby Jesus!  Always a favorite for me.

All ready for church!  So much fun to go and worship with everyone!  They pass out Christmas song books and people just shout out what song that want to sing next!  I love me some Christmas carols!  Then there is always a short but very beautiful message from Richard.  Always a little unexpected of what you would think but so thought provoking.  Then we head downstairs to the dining hall for hot tea and mince pies!

Home from church and the kids were super eager for Easton James to open his Christmas presents!

Loves, loves, loves his drum!!!!  He knew just what to do with it!

And look at that, all snuggled up in his blanket!

Then the kids exchanged their presents that they made for each other!  Oh, just melts me through and through!

Evie Kaye bought Ethan Jay this picture frame from a thrift store, painted it and glued on some rocks and sticks, super cute!

Emma Ann made both Evie Kaye and Ethan Jay super cute treasure chests!

Then after a light lunch they opened their stockings!

And Mommy and Daddy opened our presents!

I got Robert this Tankard from a local glass blowing place.  You can tell them what style you want and what colors and they make it for you!  He of course LOVES it!  Who wouldn't!  Super cool!

And this little monkey is getting everywhere!

And eating everything!

And our big feast!

Emma Ann wearing her hat from the party poppers and her mouth stuffed with mashed potatoes!

Easton James was not going to be left out of this feast and he loved the green beans!

Ethan Jay's mashed potato snowman!

Then we rounded off the night with a movie and hung out by the fire!  What a wonderful day with my family!