christmas was nothing short of MAGICAL this year.
the kids just “got it” and were so excited for all of the fun activities leading up to the BIG DAY. we really took advantage of everything our new town had to offer and had a blast. i really tried to “be present” more in december to experience the magic through their eyes, so the photos are lacking, but we did so much such as…
Writing letters to Santa…
Adding to our stockings (and yes, I am very perturbed at myself for getting the wrong font…)
Reading our stockpile of Holiday books (i only pull them out at Christmas – they love it)
Searching for, cutting down, hauling home, and decorating our tree…
Having LOADS of fun with our advent activity calendar. We did things like make cookies for our neighbors, holiday play-doh, special dates out for treats, holiday music classes, a little wrapped presents…They LOVED it and ran out every morning to see what was in the envelope…
Riding the Polar Express! They turn the Metra into the Polar Express here and it took us to the western-most stop complete with the conductor, tickets, carols, chocolate milk, cookies, and Santa! Very cool – again, they loved it…
Making gingerbread boys/girls and a house…
Watching the Polar Express every Friday night and snuggling in our new Xmas jammies that Santa delivered…
Visiting Santa a a Candy Cane Hunt by flashlight…(Emma asked for Doc McStuffins & Jack asked for a bell from Santa’s sleigh {AKA Polar Express})
Attending Jack’s Christmas Program – it was adorable!…
And many other fun things – A Holiday Music Class, Driving around to see Christmas Lights, lots of special treats. It was a very fun and busy month!
Then we got into our family gatherings – Ahhh! Everyone was so generous and thoughtful as always and the kiddos loved all of their new gifts. Actually, I may love them even more, as it is longer daytime entertainment and i can slowly pull them out to buy some time! :-) I actually didn’t take that many pictures this year, which I know regret, but I also wanted to really live in the moment, not just behind a camera lens…
Christmas with Grammy, Gpa Dale, and Uncle Heath – they kids really scored big with a baby doll nursery, Bucky the Pirate Jake ship, MagnaTiles, new clothes, Leapfrog stuff, magazine subscriptions, their own suitcases…SPOILED!
Next up was Christmas Eve and Christmas at our house. We went to Christmas Eve service, drove around to look at lights, had a nice dinner, set out chocolate milk/cookies/pistachios for Santa, and off to bed. Santa and I even got to bed at a decent hour – there was only ONE toy this year that needed assembly – SCORE!
Christmas Day was fun to watch them open their gifts. Emma got her Doc McStuffins/Lambie that she wanted, ballet leotard/shoes, games, and more girly stuff. Jack got a huge 1500 piece lego set, remote control helicopter, sports stuff, and more. Sophia was just happy to be there with the action, wrapping paper to tear, and some Puffs! And they got a trampoline from Santa…or was this more for Mom? :-) It has been a great 5pm energy buster…
{Jack went to Walgreens and picked out gifts for the entire family…Daddy got Air Hockey}
{they were amazed that Santa came into their room and took a sheet off Jack’s bed without them knowing it…}
Next up was Christmas in Libertyville with all the cousins. I seriously have few pictures of this, and we spent a whole week up there together! It was a great week filled with gifts (just imagine how long it takes for 17 people to get through gifts opening one-by-one…several days/nights!). Super fun, and the cousins loved every minute of it. I really don’t think I spoke to Jack more than 10 minutes most days – they were so busy playing Wild Kratts, Pirate, Mom/Dad/House, putting on Justin Bieber concerts, sledding, riding bikes, etc….it was a blast and also fun for the adults, as since they were entertained, we could hang out, relax some, and enjoy watching their joy.
Finally, after the New Year, we celebrated with Pappaw, Nana, and Kitten at our house. Another SPOIL fest with Emma getting the most special gift – a handmade dollhouse built by Pappaw and decorated by Aunt Kitten. It is awesome and she LOVE LOVE LOVES it! They both enjoy playing with it and it is so big, they can play with it together. Also received were kites, cars, clothes, games, movies, and more.
{Happy Birthday to Pappaw}
Whew! What a fun, busy, memory-laden month! Again, THANK YOU to all of our family who were so generous with their time, hearts, and gifts…seeing the look of happiness on our kid’s faces is awesome and it is so special that they have so many people who love them so much!
Jack literally asks me every week how many days until the next Christmas…but Momma needs a break!
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