Christmas Time.
Christmas felt different this year.. not a bad different, just different. Maybe it was that Brian hasn't worked the whole month of December and although its been A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.. maybe there's a slight underlining stress there. Maybe its that we hosted Christmas Day for my whole family so that takes lots to organize and constantly be on your toes. I don't know and the truth is, there really isn't anything that I can confidently say "Ah, THATS why it felt different this year".
We spent our traditional Christmas Eve with Brian's Family and as usual, it was fun. I tried to put my camera down and enjoy the moment and whenever I do that, I somehow always regret it but this year, I don't. I have a few fun little pictures and some seriously fun memories.
We had a lovely turkey dinner (Mom Reed always does top-notch cooking!), socialized and it was so nice to have Grandma Hawryluk there too. The kids all acted out the nativity one more time for Grandma Hawryluk too and of course.. they were adorable!
Next was the gift Exchange. Seeing everyone smiling is by far the best moment. just soaking in the gratitude, being surrounded by family.. that is what Christmas is all about.. not the gifts, the moments and the people.
It got a little (ok a LOT!) CRAZY.... I had to take a step back, it was loud and messy and chaotic lol
We got home later but didn't rush off to bed. We played with the kids for a bit, set out the milk and cookies (and carrots!) and then went upstairs. We have a tradition that the kids all sleep in our room on Christmas Eve and we all try to Catch Santa, if we can! So, we set up all the beds, watched "A Merry Madagascar" and then went to sleep. Operation Santa Clause was a success and never caught!
We were up right at 6am and ready to GO! The kids were ON CLOUD NINE! Its the one day of the year they get absolutely spoiled! Presents were all open in T-30 minutes and it was straight to playing for the ENTIRE DAY! We hosted Christmas Day and dinner at our house this year. It was really chaotic but really good too. They Kids LOVED having all their cousins over and played non-stop the entire time. It was really nice.
The table was set and my parents came over early to get the turkey the oven.
My parents always spoil the kids with Christmas gifts. This year, my mom really thought about what each of her grandkids would want. She bought things that were not suggested by parents and she NAILED IT! Everyone was SO happy!
Brian and I also put together a kids gift exchange. Which was a HUGE hit! We will forsake be doing this again next year!
Carter has spent SO MUCH of the past 24 hours in his room working on his dream LEGO set. The Hotwarts Castle from Harry Potter. Its for ages 16+ and has over 6000 pieces in it and he is KILLING it! Im SHOCKED! Santa got him this wicked desk that works perfect with his LEGO set and he's just been so happy. Bentley has gone in Carter's room multiples times to just chat, hang out, make LEGO and play with his new switch .. Its been really nice seeing the boys getting along and just hanging out.
As for Penny.. she's been in full domestic mode being the worlds best mama ever. Caring for her two babies in her sweet double stroller and knew kitchen.. She is the cutest!
Christmas is over, the house is clean and fresh feeling and the kids are happy. Brian and I are exhausted but beyond thankful for everything we have. We feel so lucky to have family all living so close. We're grateful for the things we have been blessed with too but I will admit that Im not sure Ive ever been more excited to ring in a new year than I am this year! Not for "New Years Eve" but just a new year. A fresh start, a new job, new opportunities and adventures. Please, 2020, be kind to us!
Merry Christmas!
We spent our traditional Christmas Eve with Brian's Family and as usual, it was fun. I tried to put my camera down and enjoy the moment and whenever I do that, I somehow always regret it but this year, I don't. I have a few fun little pictures and some seriously fun memories.
We had a lovely turkey dinner (Mom Reed always does top-notch cooking!), socialized and it was so nice to have Grandma Hawryluk there too. The kids all acted out the nativity one more time for Grandma Hawryluk too and of course.. they were adorable!
Next was the gift Exchange. Seeing everyone smiling is by far the best moment. just soaking in the gratitude, being surrounded by family.. that is what Christmas is all about.. not the gifts, the moments and the people.
It got a little (ok a LOT!) CRAZY.... I had to take a step back, it was loud and messy and chaotic lol
We got home later but didn't rush off to bed. We played with the kids for a bit, set out the milk and cookies (and carrots!) and then went upstairs. We have a tradition that the kids all sleep in our room on Christmas Eve and we all try to Catch Santa, if we can! So, we set up all the beds, watched "A Merry Madagascar" and then went to sleep. Operation Santa Clause was a success and never caught!
We were up right at 6am and ready to GO! The kids were ON CLOUD NINE! Its the one day of the year they get absolutely spoiled! Presents were all open in T-30 minutes and it was straight to playing for the ENTIRE DAY! We hosted Christmas Day and dinner at our house this year. It was really chaotic but really good too. They Kids LOVED having all their cousins over and played non-stop the entire time. It was really nice.
The table was set and my parents came over early to get the turkey the oven.
My parents always spoil the kids with Christmas gifts. This year, my mom really thought about what each of her grandkids would want. She bought things that were not suggested by parents and she NAILED IT! Everyone was SO happy!
Brian and I also put together a kids gift exchange. Which was a HUGE hit! We will forsake be doing this again next year!
Carter has spent SO MUCH of the past 24 hours in his room working on his dream LEGO set. The Hotwarts Castle from Harry Potter. Its for ages 16+ and has over 6000 pieces in it and he is KILLING it! Im SHOCKED! Santa got him this wicked desk that works perfect with his LEGO set and he's just been so happy. Bentley has gone in Carter's room multiples times to just chat, hang out, make LEGO and play with his new switch .. Its been really nice seeing the boys getting along and just hanging out.
As for Penny.. she's been in full domestic mode being the worlds best mama ever. Caring for her two babies in her sweet double stroller and knew kitchen.. She is the cutest!
Christmas is over, the house is clean and fresh feeling and the kids are happy. Brian and I are exhausted but beyond thankful for everything we have. We feel so lucky to have family all living so close. We're grateful for the things we have been blessed with too but I will admit that Im not sure Ive ever been more excited to ring in a new year than I am this year! Not for "New Years Eve" but just a new year. A fresh start, a new job, new opportunities and adventures. Please, 2020, be kind to us!
Merry Christmas!