Snapshots from Christmas

Christmas is always a magical time, but for me, with a baby in the house it makes it even that much more magical. Here are my 3 on Christmas Eve as we headed out to church for the Christmas Eve service.

Growing up, we opened up all our presents on Christmas Eve, so we headed to Mimi & Jimmy's after church.

 

 

 Brother Cousins celebrating their 1st Christmas both with Argyle Vests.

 My sister Elyse got me the greatest gift, a mason jar wine glass. Love it!

Then it was time to head home, get the kids in bed & play Santa.

Kate wanted to leave the milk in a Giants cup because "Santa is a Giants Fan". Yes he is Kate, yes he is.

All set for the morning...before midnight. That's a first!

 Kate was up at 8, but Claire didn't wake up until after 9:15! Finally, it was time to head downstairs:

 

So excited they got Play-doh machines. The only thing Kate asked for. I am not a play doh fan (the mess!!!!) but since it was the one and only thing she wanted, I HAD to get it for them.

Luke's 1st Christmas. Love it.

 

Not too sure about the bouncer Santa brought.

I only got Luke 3 things for Christmas (he's a baby, doesn't know the difference) and one of those items was this hat I got at Old Navy. I am OBSESSED with him wearing it. Ack. So cute.

The girls got hats also...that I found at Safeway!

Then it was back to Mimi & Jimmy's for the day. 

My dad makes a 3 meat breakfast/brunch every Christmas. I eat 2 meals on Christmas. This and dinner.

 Our dinner this year was Filet Minagon. And, the PW's mushrooms. And green bean casserole. And I made my loaded mashed potatoes with bacon. So much good food.

And, good wine.

 

One of favorite games to play as a family is Mexican Train Dominoes.

It was a nice, mellow Christmas. And, by December 26th it was all taken down.

 We put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving, so by Christmas it is shedding & ready to be taken down.

 It's always bittersweet taking down Christmas. 

I love the Christmas songs & reflecting on Christ's birth and that a he is our Savior is here to save us.

I love our house during Christmas. I love the lights, the tree & the decorations.

But when it's over, I get sad it's over, so I put it all away & anxiously await until next year to put it all up.

Hope you had a Merry, Merry Christmas as well!