Christmas 2012

This was by far our most FUN Christmas break ever!  Last year, Caleb was more interested in bows and shiny paper.  This year, he was all about Santa (whom he calls Santa Closet), presents and Christmas traditions.  We loved seeing him enjoy his first "real" Christmas through his little 2 year eyes. 

Mom was recovering from surgery and blessed us with the BEST Christmas present ever....news that her biopsy came back cancer free!  We are so thankful and in the chaos of Christmas were reminded of what really matters....family!  That being said, Mom and Dad hosted Christmas Eve dinner and presents so Mom would be at home to rest/recover.  Emily and I were in charge of dinner and made our traditional meal:  cocktail shrimp, grilled steak with mushrooms and onions, baked potatoes, and rolls.  And of course, there were lots of yummy appetizers and desserts that we enjoyed too.  

And then there were presents....and presents, and more presents!  We enjoyed watching each other open and then we headed home just in time to leave Santa cookies, before heading to bed!

And after a few last minute preparations for the morning, we cuddled up in  bed for a few short hours of sleep.The kids slept in until 7 and then the fun began.  It was a whirlwind of unwrapping stockings and presents.  Santa surprised the kids with a Step 2 Roller Coaster.  It was by far their favorite gift of the year, minus Mackenzie's YoNana Machine (similar to an icecream machine but you just frozen fruit and somehow it magically tastes just like soft serve) and Caleb's Thomas trains.

Waiting patiently to go downstairs and open presents!

The two best presents ever...my sweet girl and sweet boy.  

Opening stockings

And then it was time to pass out presents from under the tree....

and this sweet little thing had half a dozen homemade presents under her bed just waiting for us to open. She even wrapped them herself and wrote special messages on them (Jeremy and Jill, I hope you like this.  I love you.)  Melt. My. Heart.

                        and their favorite gift...it actually has a 125 pound limit.  I may have to take a spin!

By 10:30 we loaded up and headed up to Grandma and Grandpa's house for round 3.  We had hoped to spend the night, but major snow was in the forecast the following morning, so we ended up going back home that night.  We spent a full day there though, and enjoyed every second together.  The cousins all play so well together and Caleb and Owen are finally at the age where they are no longer just parallel playing.  They have become real buddies.  It is so sweet!  After opening gifts, the kids played while Grandma and Grandpa fixed a Christmas dinner feast.  Then after a little more playtime, we loaded up and headed back home.  It ended up being the right decision because around 7 a.m. the next morning we were hit with about 7 inches of snow.

                                  I adore these boys working on a puzzle and riding their new tractors.

and speaking of best buds, these two are too!

The following days have been filled with sledding, playing in the snow and setting up Christmas toys.  It has been sooo nice to all be together.  The fire is constantly crackling and we have all enjoyed lounging, playing toys, board games, and just being together.

It has been a wonderful 2012!  Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
*Come back soon to see updated videos on this post. :)