Gifts from Santa
We went to church and for the first time since they were 6 months old, attended Christmas service as a family. Usually they go to GKC (childcare/Bible study) but it was not available. They were sooooo good in "mom & dad's worship". We sat in the front row and they listened to the music and colored or played with stickers during the rest of the service. I brought along our secret weapon (just in case)...M&Ms!!! Really there is no way to describe the feeling of happiness and contentment I got when I looked to my right and saw my sweet hubby and our 2 beautiful, precious miracles. God sure knows what he is doing. After the service, "Mr. Dave" (our pastor & friend) invited Austin & Caitlin onto the stage to check out the drums. Yeah, like his coolness factor with our kids needed a boost! They LOVED it!!!
Sprinkling Magic Reindeer Food
Our tradition changed a bit this year as we tried out having our "big feast" on Christmas Eve. Aunt Bubbles (Lynn) & Uncle John joined us for dinner and the extra special sprinkling of the "Magic Reindeer Food" on the front lawn. After they left we got all of Santa's treats ready (chocolate milk, mint chocolate cookies, & snowball cookies) and left some celery for the reindeer along with a note. I've never seen Austin and Caitlin more excited to go to bed. Too bad Christmas Eve is only once a year!
Then the REAL work began...
Santa's main elf spent about 3 hours assembling a train table and some drums. His assistant elf put the stockings together and assembled a Cinderella castle in addition to bringing the remaining presents to the tree for "staging". :)
Finally about 12:30 (or was it 1:30?!), the elves got to sleep.
The kids at 3:30 in the morning!
But wait. There were creatures stirring at 3:30am and there was NO unstirring them!!!! So, yes, we stumbled downstairs to see what Santa had left. Caitlin was slightly overwhelmed and I don't think Austin paid much attention to anything other than the drums. A drum solo in the middle of the night? Check! After about an hour (and a couple Tylenol) we headed back up to bed.
On Christmas morning we opened presents and then added a new tradition...Aunt Bubs and Uncle John came over with breakfast! We enjoyed some yummy crepes, crescents, and an egg/sausage casserole. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! We opened more gifts, watched a parade, and basically just hung out while assembling new toys and trying not to go crazy from the drumming! :)
After all the festivities, Aunt Bubs & Uncle John left and we napped. All of us. I have to say I enjoyed the new traditions...having our "feast" on Christmas Eve made Christmas Day very low key and fun. It's a keeper.
On the 26th, Gramma & Great Gramma came bearing gifts. We visited with them all afternoon and evening after opening presents. The kids were very cute and appreciative of everything. Right down to how good their cousin Mason was at tying the knots in the ribbons that decorated the gifts!
We have been soaking up this 2 week breather from running around to school, speech, ballet, & basketball. It's nice to have lazy cuddle days again.
Ryan's traveling extensively right now so hoping to get pictures up on the blog when he is in town for longer than 12 hours!
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