Christmas afternoon, we headed north to Unionville to celebrate with the family. Both girls were so excited and filled with joy and a little tiredness.
We opened presents... which was capped off with Mary made shirts with Christmas Vacation sayings on them. Which is by far our favorite Christmas movie - quite certain with have the entire movie memorized.
We feasted - despite no pictures of it. And continued to eat and eat some more.
Played games and with toys. Shopped with Dad. Hung out and played with Brayden.
Christmas Eve festivities started with homemade pizzas and fun. Then off to church and home to dress in our matching jammies and read out new book.
Santa came!
Then, our Christmas started at 6:30 am - which isn't too bad - I held them off. Then they waited to daddy to get some coffee and join in the stocking opening.
And then it was time to check out the presents and start the opening! There was squeals and screams and laughs and lots of hugs!
I saved what I thought was the best 2 gifts for last and didn't let them open them - they were from Ryan and I. And I'm glad I did because their reaction was priceless - just what I wanted.
And even though all my efforts last maybe an hour - it was worth every minute and every second to see their faces light up. It was magical. And then reality came back as there was crying and whining... but I tried to block that out - lol - and treasure the moments.
With no real plans on Christmas Eve, we decided it would be a great day to go ice skating. Greta has been asking for a while. We invited our friends and made a morning of it. Open skate started at 9:15 and the we all lasted until 10:35 when it ended.
It was also my first time ice skating... skated right out with no problems. Both girls also did great and by the end Greta wasn't even using the walker.
This year for Christmas the Delaney's came to our house, and a great time was had.
A surprise trampoline for the girls that we kept hidden until Saturday morning and then were going for a big surprise, but Greta say it through the kitchen door. The kids loved it - well until a bloody nose happened but all good.
Bowling fun and even more fun because I won! But the kids and adults had a great time.
A great dinner.
Presents. I think the girls enjoyed their gift.
Cousin fun, including a movie night in bed.
And of course singing around the Christmas tree. I was very proud of Greta who asked everyone their favorite song and then made a list. We all decided we couldn't sing Frosty the Snowman anymore until we learn the words - haha!
Greta had both a Christmas concert with all the kindergartener's and a party in her classroom. Oh and a surprise Santa visit at our friends house.
She did so great at her concert. I was so proud. Sang every song and knew all the worlds. She also sat on stage so nicely - along with all the other kindergarteners.
The last day of school - we had a PJs and pancakes party in her classroom. Myself and a few other moms prepared the feast and got to help the kiddos out. So much fun. There was so much excitement in the room.
Then after school, we went over to our friends house and Santa surprised the kids. It was awesome! And then each kid got to sit with Santa and we wrapped it up with some caroling with Santa. And even bigger news... Lola sat on Santa’s lap! What a great time!
One of my favorite times at Christmas is hearing the children put on a Christmas program. I used to love when Karle and Kahle were little and would sing and speak their parts. So much joy in them.
So when Greta had her first 2 years ago - it was so fun. And this year was Lola's first and she performed! At just 3, she is by far the youngest in her class but that didn't stop here at all.
Greta sang 2 songs and Lola sang 1 with her.
Away in the Manager
Little Baby Jesus
And they both had speaking parts. They had been practicing them all week but when we practiced at church, neither would say them so I was skeptical whether they actually would. But let me tell you when Greta said her part - I was beaming with pride.
And then when Lola said her part, I literally almost cried tears of joy. She was so sweet and confident. Where did my baby go?
Seems like just yesterday he was born and we got the call... I can remember finding out Julie was pregnant and the journey began. The moment he was here was one of the most joyous days. A true miracle and gift from God.
And now a year later - he's such a blessing to all. His smile lights up a room and his laugh is infectious. I just love that lil man!
So here's to many more! You are loved more than you'll ever know.
