Our Christmas: Part Two

The kids were very diligent about the countdown this year, and they KNEW when it was the day before Christmas. We had an relaxing morning, as KC did some last minute errands, and we got ourselves presentable for the day. Around 1:00 we went to our traditional  movie matinee, and were pleased to have a couple other families join us. We saw Big Hero 6, and the kids were captivated the entire time, sometimes exclaiming their love for it mid-film.

When we got home, I got to work on the fondue prep. I love this traditional dinner, and it’s fun for the kids too. We kept it pretty simple for the kiddos with only a few dippers. Still hit the spot. The kids are also fans of “sparkly cider”. Who isn’t?!

Ham, cheese and toasted bread- still my favorite combo.

And for dessert, egg nog milk shakes. We like keeping things simple and delicious around here.

Then we opened up the pjs from my parents, something the kids have been anticipating since the package arrived weeks earlier. Nothing like a new set of cozy pjs.

Bennett was a stinker and preferred his angry birds pajamas that night (but has since worn his Batman ones many times and love them) so Alex enjoyed having his pick of both sets! He ended up wearing the ones meant for him.B did take a turn with Daddy’s though.

I actually got myself to make some nativity costumes this year! Very simple ones, I might add. All thanks to these great instructions (and Oriental Trading for accessories). I thought it was time to get the kids a little more involved than just using the Little People nativity set. It was a bit chaotic getting everyone ready and settled down. Really, taking pictures is what made me cranky to the point sending everyone to their rooms for a few minutes! But soon we all calmed down, said our apologies,  and we were able to tell the sweet story of Baby Jesus. The kids were darling and really got into their parts.

Then Ruby was practically begging to go to bed, and on Christmas Eve, that really every parent’s dream. So after a quick reading of The Night Before Christmas, they drifted off into magical Christmas dreamland.

Santa came right on time! It wasn’t nearly as much last year, and that was intentional. Kids just don’t need that much stuff! Also, we’d used up all our cute wrapping paper the day before and had to make due with a Christmasy Justin Bieber variety meant for white elephant gifts. It all went in the garbage anyway, so fine with me!

Of course Ruby woke up first around 6:45, as usual, and I told her to wait until about 7 for the boys. And a few minutes before that, they were up and ready to play! KC went to turn on lights and things while the kids were upstairs literally jumping up and down with excitement. We let them free to run down stairs and they were thrilled to see that Santa had come and brought them what they’d asked for (plus a couple surprises he thought they’d like). They were beyond thrilled and couldn’t stop squealing and smiling. I loved watching everybody look so happy and excited for each other. I was just so grateful that morning. We are so blessed.

Then we opened the presents under the tree, and they loved everything.

They went to town playing with everything for the rest of the day.

Somewhere in there we had our pull-a-part and strata for breakfast. Definitely a crowd-pleaser.

We made cookie dough, but never got around to making them for Santa (darn my limited energy), but the kids came down to find that he had eaten a few Werthers KC and I left out for him.

It was a beautiful sunny day, but we knew the snow was going to come in that night. Festive.

She asked for a princess rug. She’s in love with it.

She got a matching doll nighty with her new pajamas the night before. It was on a doll for a minute, but soon was put on her unicorn.

We even played with a  few toys ourselves.

This is The Book with no Pictures. They can’t get enough! It’s brilliant.

Her most treasured gifts, My Little Pony lip gloss, and a Hello Kitty diary that locks. Thanks Target $3 spot!

I made some Christmas comfort foods for dinner. Pretzel jello (aka “the red” to my family) rolls, funeral potatoes (aka “potato nasty” to to my family) and ham, etc. Not much to look at, but fun to remember our little family Christmas dinner together. And lovely to have leftovers for a few days!

Notice, the boys still in pjs. It was amazing to have nothing to do but play at home all day.

A perfect day full of so much happiness, and a very relaxed atmosphere. I love this family, and I love making these memories. We kept thinking about how different and fun next year will be with another sweetheart added to the mix. I can’t wait!