Merry Christmas

We had a great low-key Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.  We make homemade pizzas and open jammies, we sleep in (actually this year they didn't wake up until 8!), we open stockings, make breakfast, read the Christmas story over our meal, and open gifts.  We have several traditions we are trying to stick to and our biggest is that our kids only have one gift to open Christmas morning, and it is from us.  All other gifts are given either in the days before or after (or at grandparents houses).  We loved watching them this year learn more of the story of Christ and watching their excitement grow over celebrating His goodness and the gift we receive through His birth.  I love that they don't get overwhelmed with crazy excitement over what they are "getting" for Christmas but instead we have a relaxing morning in which they receive and are thankful and enjoy a gift as well as remembering and acknowledge the gift of Christ and His love that gives us all reason to celebrate. 

 

Christmas pj's

looking like dad

 

thinking about these stockings :)

Simeon opening his stocking...shin guards & batman slippers.  He was happy.

Anna was so cute this year.  Lots of Elmo in her stocking & she loved it!

Madeline was so excited to get a new cup in her stocking.  She had been wanting one to take to school, as well as an ice pack.  She was thrilled!

Daddy & Madeline opened Paulina's stocking...can't wait until next year!

Anna got a purse that she carries around now regularly!

Simeon got a basketball goal...he has been loving it!

And Madeline got an art desk made by our friend, Josh Hall.  It is so great & she crafts every day!

Getting ready to play in the little snow we had...Anna doesn't like the cold!  Madeline loves it!

Seriously the cutest.

 

Anna got this fun chair from her Podge & musical toys from her Nana.  She loves them both!

Madeline & Simeon got new lego sets which they love.  Simeon is a whiz at putting them together!  It is so fun to watch.  And of course Anna can't be left out of the fun!

Anna pretty much believes Elijah is her personal play doll. 

This girl cracks us up all the time.  Here she is dressed in her swimsuit top, Simeon's shorts, and underwear underneath. 

Ren makes our home so cheerful!  My kiddos love, love, love her.  And so do we!