We, more like I, survived Christmas! It really is crazy with three kids to manage, especially with this being our first Christmas with a full, fledged baby - both boys were nearly a year old for their first Christmas. We had lots of fun with family and we were able to keep things pretty low-key.
Christmas eve day my dad came over to celebrate and open gifts with us. When my dad asked the night before what he should bring to eat for lunch I honestly hadn't thought about it so I asked the boys where they promptly replied "Cheeseburgers and Macaroni". I told my dad we'd think about it as this didn't seem the ideal christmas eve feast. Well the boys were pretty insistent, so they got their wish and Papa (my dad) brought them McDonald's, obviously they were thrilled! And the rest of us just snacked and enjoyed the delight - and a fry or two - from the boys. We had a nice couple of hours opening presents and playing with the new gifts. The boys received books, Michigan Pj's, lincoln logs, games, and some clothes. And their "big gift" was a full set of instruments and power tools! The boys had a blast with both. The power tool set came with a drill, chain saw, saber saw, circular saw, blow torch, jack hammer, and safety goggles and helmet, everything you could need except ear plugs or aspirin to survive all the noise! The instruments were a recorder, triangle, moroccas, tamborine, and all the other little noise makers I remember from my grade school days. We got everyone to grab an instrumentand we all rocked out together as a band, it was pretty funny! Rylan got a new outfit, a stuffed animal doll, and some new books, but I think she most enjoyed watching the boys act crazy and excited with their new gifts.
After my dad left we enjoyed a quiet evening. The boys and I made chocolate chip cookies to put out for Santa. Chris finished making his homemade meatballs and sauce for all of us to eat for dinner. We had the fire going all day and night, it was very warm and cozy with the Christmas spirit everywhere! At bedtime the boys got to read "The night before Christmas" with their Grandman (Chris's dad) narrating the story, they loved it! Of course they also were full of energy and super excited for Christmas to come. We tried to explain that if they didn't go to sleep then Santa might not stop with gifts, after a little arguing they seemed to buy it and finally went to sleep. Once the boys and Rylan were in bed it was time for Chris and I to wrap presents and stuff stockings. Surprisingly we were able to finish by 10pm, I thought for sure it would take us until midnight at least! After setting everything up and putting the presents in their places, Chris and I enjoyed some nice quiet time by the fire with a drink and watched a show, a great way to end Christmas Eve.
Jake so excited for Christmas he put socks on his hands - strange boy!
Christmas day was wonderful, and VERY long. Brenden crawled into bed with me and Chris around 2am, Rylan woke up to eat around 3:30am, and Jake came in our room sometime around 6am saying "he was too excited and couldn't sleep anymore!"
The boys up bright and early - well not bright since it was still dark outside
We first opened stockings before breakfast since the boys were so excited. I thought this was a bit of an off year for me in the stocking department, but everyone seemed to enjoy everything they got. Poor Rylan only had three things in her stocking, but was very pleased with the $0.80 plastic keys!lol. The boys got the a few small toys, socks, underwear, an ornament, and some new markers and paper for coloring.
After we made a nice breakfast - waffles, eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and orange juice. Its so rare these days for all of us to sit down to a nice breakfast, it was really great! After breakfast it was on to the presents! Everyone got exactly what they asked for and so, so more!
Santa, grandma and grandman, and our family were quite generous for Christmas this year. Chris's parents sent lots of gifts, some from them and some from "santa". Chris and I had some gifts from us and some from "santa" as well. The kids all got clothes, books, and movies. Rylan got a new doll especially for teething and has been thoroughly enjoying it. Brenden got a new race track and Jake got a marble track as their "big" gifts. The boys and Chris also received survival packs from Santa - really Grandma and Grandman - that were a big hit. The kids enjoyed all of their gifts and so did Chris and I. Somehow I managed to not take a single picture, but Chris got lots on video.
The rest of the day we played, relaxed, talked with family and friends, and just enjoyed being together. We decided not to go anywhere and the boys had a nice dinner the two of them and Chris and I had a nice dinner the two of us after all the kids were asleep. It was a lovely Christmas!
The Mantle with all of our wonderful Christmas cards!
Thanks to everyone who sent one, we love seeing everyone and it makes the house feel so festive!
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