Merry Christmas 2020

We have had a wonderful Christmas! The festivities have extended all week long. After Boomer and I returned from our anniversary weekend in Asheville, we went to church that evening for the Candlelight Service. There is always a beautiful photo spot just outside of the sanctuary, and we snapped a few pictures while we were all dressed up in our Sunday best. We are still watching morning church on the computer at home, so it has been awhile since we have attended a service in person. Eli had been a little fussy, mostly because of FOUR molars that are coming in, and unfortunately he and Boomer did not make it through the whole service. Emmy did very well being quiet during Communion, and she sang along to some of the songs that she knew. She loved holding her candle high as we all sang Silent Night at the end. 

After working on Monday and Tuesday, I managed a solo trip to the Science Center with Emmy and Eli on Wednesday the 23rd. We always have a fun time at the Science Center! 

On Christmas Eve, we gathered at my parents' house for our traditional spread of snack foods. Eli loved having some of Grammy's sugar cookie, and everyone filled up on other sweets, dips, sandwiches, and meatballs. After the adults opened their presents and the kids opened just one, we watched Polar Express. I somehow talked Boomer into wearing matching pajamas again, which was worth documenting in front of the Christmas tree. 

We hustled home to get ready for Santa. Emmy set out cookies and milk, and we also dusted reindeer food on the front yard. The kids were in bed around 8:30PM, and they were asleep right away. Boomer and I completed the finishing touches in the living room and were in bed ourselves pretty soon. Luckily no presents required assembly or batteries this year! 

Christmas morning started around 7:15AM in the Kennedy household. Emmy was so excited to get light-up Elsa slippers (Crocs) from Santa. It was her one request, and after originally ordering the wrong size, I was so relieved when they arrived in the mail a few days before Christmas. Emmy also received Elsa Band-Aids, an Elsa ornament, and Frozen crayons in her stocking. From Mommy and Daddy, she got a personalized clipboard and super-size Frozen coloring pages. Eli's haul was a bit more modest - a few Hot Wheels cars. After spending a little time at home, we headed over to the Houstons' around 9AM for breakfast and more gifts. From Aunt Megan and Uncle Zack, Emmy got her very own Elsa doll. She also got Anna and Cinderella from Grammy and Grandpa, and her favorite thing has been having them "be best friends" together. She has such an imagination and could easily entertain herself for hours with made-up scenes and conversations. Eli got a lion hooded towel from Aunt Megan and Uncle Zack, which means I have officially packed up the infant hooded towels we had been using. He also got some 18 month clothes from Grammy and Grandpa, and his favorite toy is a train with buttons that make noise. 

After leaving the Houstons', we made a stop by Grandma's, and I was able to go inside and visit with her for a few minutes. Then we drove to Star to finish off the rest of our Christmas travels. We arrived at Boomer's parents' house around noon. Kyle and Carlin were there as well, and the rest of the gang arrived around 4PM. We then began an epic round of presents, with Emmy getting another Elsa doll (but in a different dress!), some craft supplies, books, and a Barbie schoolhouse set. Eli racked up too, with a dump truck and Tickle Me Elmo. Boomer and I got some gift cards and new tailgating chairs. We had a traditional Christmas meal of ham, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Before we knew it, it was well past dark and time to hit the road. We arrived back in Kernersville around 9PM with both kids asleep in the backseat and a trunk full of goodies. It was again a rush to get the kids to bed and close out our fun Christmas. 

We have truly had a magical Christmas season. It was such a blessing to gather together with family and to continue our traditions even in a time of uncertainty. Jesus's birth still brings hope, joy, and light to His people. Merry Christmas, from the Kennedys!