Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve candlelight service was beautiful again this year.  So wonderful to have all five of us together. Luke belted  the carols much to the delight of all those around us. Plus, nothing us caught fire during the last song. Although the young girl in front if us was very worried about her hair....probably for good reason.

The stockings on Christmas Eve with cookies and eggnog and then off to bed. Mary may have enjoyed too many cookies because she helped Daddy and I put all the presents under the tree. She was very sweet and only untied a few ribbons.

Even Zion got some stocking stuffers.

Cinnamon rolls, reading the Christmas story and presents. Such a special time. Luke handmade my present this year . Probably my favorite, although I think he might rope Daddy in to help when I redeem my groupon.

Love it!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Before and After

Christmas cookies round 2....who knew kids could eat so many cookies.

And after:

Now we are ready for Christmas Eve.

Dada

Someone grabbed my hands and had me help her walk to daddy last night...and as she walked it sounded like she said "Dada".

Guess who has daddy wrapped around her finger?

This girl.

Mary's first Christmas

The days leading up to Christmas this year have been full of anticipation and joy in our house.  Kind of how I always hoped we would celebrate the advent season, but never quite "got it right".

Maybe because it's Mary's first Christmas (every time I say that I tear up a little) or because I now have 6 years of Christmas with kids under my belt, but somehow this has felt more like Christmas this year .

Here are my secrets:

1. Have a sweet baby to snuggle for her first Christmas.

2. Have adoring big brothers who are mostly interested in what to get the baby instead if their own wish lists. Mostly.

3. Get all Christmas presents shipped out early. Fewer lines and less stress.

4. Have your precious children make most of the gifts. Really helps them focus on giving and thinking of others. (Downside: they are 5 and 6 year old boys....these creations are interesting at best.)

5. Recieve adorable Christmas angel ornaments from your sweet sister-in-law. Love our newest addition to the tree.

6. Remember the true reason we celebrate. Happy Birthday baby Jesus!

Random Friday Musings

Our house is all sorts of Christmasy. Love this time if year!

Mary's new favorite pastime, and guaranteed to give you at least 20 minutes to get ready, is emptying Daddy's wallet....watch out Daddy!

We had so much fun visiting the cousins and Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents for Thanksgiving. Quite a whirlwind of a trip...but so worth it!

We even were introduced to "rainbow birds". James was totally mobbed as the first one in, and still shutters at birds flying overhead.

 This picture is of Luke, with maybe half of the birds James was covered with.

Mary is 8 months. How is she so old?  Cherishing every baby kiss and snuggle.