As the kids get older (Nora 2 & Nolan 3 1/2) and realize more and more what Christmas is and the traditions that we have, it gets to be more exciting for Ryan and I!
The kids had a blast and the excitement on their faces was the best present of all! Ryan turned to me on Christmas morning and said that's the most fun he has had with the kids!
They are getting to the age where everything to them is new and exciting. It was almost like they couldn't believe they got to do all of the special Christmas traditions; whether it was opening the advent calendar every morning for chocolate, singing/learning christmas songs, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, watching christmas movies or finding elf every morning. Kids make Christmas magical! And yes, I did let them help out with all of the above...it took a little longer but it was fun to include them this year with all of the festivities!
They are getting to the age where everything to them is new and exciting. It was almost like they couldn't believe they got to do all of the special Christmas traditions; whether it was opening the advent calendar every morning for chocolate, singing/learning christmas songs, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, watching christmas movies or finding elf every morning. Kids make Christmas magical! And yes, I did let them help out with all of the above...it took a little longer but it was fun to include them this year with all of the festivities!
Although I couldn't get them to go to the mall to see Santa, he made a surprise visit to Nolan's Christmas preschool party. He did get down from my arms to snatch a candy cane from him...progress!
Throughout the month of December, Ryan and I had a lot of "date nights" out going to Christmas parties and different holiday functions. It is always fun to get dressed up around the holidays and mingle with family and friends:)
A night out at the governor's mansion for a Mini O'beirne Crisis Nursery fundraiser. I love everything about this charity! Ryan and I rasied $1000 to give to them that night! The holidays are always a good time to give and be thankful. Not to mention the gorgeous viewing of 31 Christmas trees!
Christmas Eve:
After Ryan got home from work on Christmas Eve, we decorated cookies for Santa before getting ready for dinner.
Christmas Eve at our new home!
I LOVE Christmas Eve...so magical with children. We go to my parent's house after mass (Nora was still getting over being sick so we didn't go this year...double ear infection and 103 temp the day before so we took it easy all day Christmas eve) and they do a nice lobster and prime rib dinner, open gifts by the fire, have a drink or two, kids played with their new toys. We looked for sanata on the way home (I remeber doing thus on the way home ffom my grandparent's house) and then set out cookies, milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.
This was probably Nolan's favorite gift! When he opened it, he said: "A rocket ship! It's what I wanted!" This was the first time he has ever said anything like that and really gotten into Christmas. So precious! Good one Uncle Cory!
We wrote a note to Santa...and he came!
Christmas Day:
After gifts were opened, Ryan and I gave the kids our present...tablets! Our phones and tablet have been taking a beating so we decided this was a good move! We went back and forth but we are limiting the time and what they can watch. We also bought abcmouse.com and they are learning lots!
MoMo and BoBo stopped by to see the new toys on their way to my grandparents, which is where we were headed next!
Minus my cousin Jessie (holding Baby Rosie) the three great-grand kids. Ages 4 months, 3 1/2 and 2.
We always go to my mom's parent's house for Christmas day lunch. We take an annual picture before opening gifts after everyone eats. That picture goes on the calendar we make for our grandparents every year.
Ryan's mom's side of the family was our last stop of the day. The kids feel asleep on the way so I stayed in the car while they slept for awhile. We woke them to do gifts and I felt bad because they were ready to be done! They were cranky, wouldn't get in the pictures, didn't want to go to anyone but me:( I do not have as many pictures because of this!
With 11 grandchildren, this Christmas is always crazy and fun! Lots of cousins to play with (7 kids, ages 4 and under!)
We did end the night with some good ole fashion Christmas caroling at Ryan's aunt and uncle's house. Image 20 people showing in up on your front porch singing! Nolan got really onto it.
December 26th:
Ths day after Christmas, the celebration continued! The kids were refreshed. It was my Dad's side of the family that we had Christmas with. It had been awhile since we had gotten together so it was nice to see everyone!
We had a very blessed Christmas and we were lucky to have lots of family to celebrate this holiday with!
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