Christmas 2012

 We had a fun and crazy Christmas!  I guess three kids under 4 will bring out the craziness for anyone.  The boys (Cade especially) were so excited all month long.  The anticipation and excitement that small kids bring to this season was so refreshing for me this year.  I loved how excited Cade was to light the Advent candles every morning at breakfast and to pray for our friends each day throughout the season. I'm so glad we spent the whole month preparing our hearts for the season because once the day comes all the excitement and gifts, etc can easily creep in and push everything else out. 

Our plans were a bit different than usual this year but we ended up having a great time! On Christmas Eve we spent the day together at home opening the gift each boy picked out for one another and then just enjoying our little family of five. Matt's parents got here right around dinner time on Christmas Eve.  We ordered pizza, the boys opened one gift and we then we read the Christmas story and lit the Christ candle, something Cade has been anticipating all season.  We had a sweet and crazy time of worship together.  I loved having this special time to stop and reflect on Christmas Eve because the next day was just plain CRAZY!

My Christmas Baby

Sibling Gifts

 

My parents drove through the night to beat the ice/snow and got here around 3am.  I didn't tell Cade they were coming so he was surprised Christmas morning to see them all standing in the kitchen.  Pretty sure that would've been a surprise enough without all the gifts.  After a few gifts and stockings from us we had a yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls and Chef Mickey's breakfast pizza.  It was delicious!!  I love the tradition of a big Christmas morning breakfast.  Next year my goal is to use my Granny's recipe for cinnamon rolls but this year I went for an easier version.  

Anxiously awaiting their Christmas morning surprises

So excited to see everyone and to show them his digger

A very Mickey Christmas for Carter

After that we pretty much had a lazy day of opening gifts and just spending time together.  Things got a bit crazy with all the gift opening but after that things calmed down and the boys enjoyed their time with all their grandparents, uncles and aunt.  We had chili in the afternoon to warm us all up then ended the day by watching Christmas Vacation.  

 

 

All in all it was a great day!  Even though it didn't quite feel like Christmas to me at the beginning I'm so thankful everyone was able to come and we were all together.  So grateful for our families and how they love us and our kids!