Merry Christmas 2019

I am surprised with just how much we have done and how much I have blogged during the month of December! With a newborn and a toddler, time is scarce, but I have tried my best to document these sweet days with family and friends both with pictures in the moment and then with my blog posts afterwards. Our Christmas Eve began with a slow day at home followed by dinner and presents at my parents' house. Our traditions have changed over the years, first when Megan got married, and then when my parents and grandparents moved to Kernersville, but one tradition has always been the casual gathering on Christmas Eve with yummy finger foods and a Christmas movie. This year we watched Polar Express, and the kids were very attentive to the story line. The adults opened our presents, and Boomer and I got several things that we had hoped for: new dress shoes for Boomer, a new purse for me, and gift cards to purchase our annual membership to the Science Center. Emmy opened her presents from Aunt Megan and Uncle Zack, and she got a Minnie purse and watch. She has been wearing both since the moment that she opened them! Somehow I talked Boomer into wearing matching pajamas and even posing for a picture. On our way to my parents' house that evening, he said "I sure hope we don't get into an accident!" Despite his reluctance, he was a good sport, and his biggest complaint was that the pants didn't have pockets.   

Christmas morning for Eli and me started shortly after 5AM; the rest of our crew woke up around 7:30AM. Emmy was excited for her new Fancy Nancy books from Mommy and Daddy, and Santa brought new crayons and M&Ms in her stocking. After a short time at home, we went over to the Houstons' for breakfast and more presents. Grammy and Grandpa outdid themselves with gifts for the grandkids. Emmy got a life-like baby doll with all the accessories (bottle, bib, pacifier, and outfits). She also got two new "Big Sister" shirts, a Little Red Riding Hood puzzle book, and a Minnie Mouse hairbrush set. Emmy doesn't always like to sit still to have her hair brushed, so I am hoping having a cute new hairbrush will help with this nightly task. Eli got a moon figurine for his room, a few toiletry items, and lots of cuddles from Aunt Megan and Great Grandma Nancy. We stayed for a couple of hours while the cousins played with Zander and Maddox's new Hot Wheels track. Emmy may love her baby dolls and hair bows, but she sure like cars, too! Around 11AM, we hit the road to Star for one more Christmas celebration. 

 

We arrived in Star around noon, and there was a little bit of downtime when Emmy and Mommy took naps while the other adults played a card game of Spades. Goosie, Darby, and the kids arrived around 3:30PM, and the living room exploded in the joyful chaos of wrapping paper, noise, stockings, and laughter. I only managed to take one photo of this gift extravaganza. Emmy got a cash register, a Peppa Pig coloring book, a bejeweled cell phone, the Candy Land board game (which was confusing, because it isn't actually candy!) and then some actual candy in her stocking. Eli got a pair of swimming trunks for when we go to the lake next summer, some bandanna bibs, and diapers. Boomer and I got a few practical things too like new pillows and a carry-on suitcase. We also got an awesome poster momento for our Kennedy Ballpark Tour. After every last gift was opened, Boomer's dad fired up the grill. We had ribeye steaks with mac and cheese, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and green beans. Usually we would spend the night in Star, but we made the decision to come back to Kernersville after dinner this year. We pulled into our driveway a little after 9PM with both kids knocked out. It was a full day; full of activity and a lot of love!

It was a special holiday celebrating our first Christmas with Eli. We are so thankful for God's gift of His son and for the two precious children He has entrusted into our care. A very merry Christmas indeed!