Christmas!

Christmas this year was amazing.  The very best we have had as a family of 6.  Every Christmas has been special but we have slooooowly made our way closer to that sweet spot of parenting.  The kids are getting older and with that comes more independence and understanding. Throughout the Christmas season we had so many insightful and also hilarious conversations as they each learned more about why we celebrate the holiday. However they still provide us the joy and excitement of seeing Christmas through children's' eyes.  It was a magical, wonderful day! 

Waiting patiently at the top of the stairs. Andrew and Kate were so worn out from Christmas Eve that they slept in!

One recent development over the last couple of months is that Harrison is so much better at doing Lego sets.  He did almost all of his alone this Christmas which shocked Ryan and I. 

Before long A and K got up. Andrew was SO excited about his pretend Dyson vacuum. The kid LOVES to clean. 

Kate was the only child who appreciated her new rain/snow boots. 

We couldn't get Andrew to stop cleaning long enough to see his other gifts 

Finally checking his stuff out!

The big boys were so ready to open our family gifts and sweet Kate was just wanting to savor the moment.  

Putting her Frozen chap stick in her new pocket book 

Ryan got me Oregon Trail as a funny gift (I LOVED that game growing up) and James and Harrison have had a blast playing it with me ever since. 

Harrison and James were so proud to have bought me two new cozy blankets. 

All the kids got new books. James was definitely the most excited for his. 

After a few minutes Andrew needed to get his vacuum to "clean up this mess!"😂 

Andrew and Kate were so happy to finally get pillows for their crib and new cozy blankets 

Finally the presents were opened and it was time for the best part of the morning: our family video! 

Ryan works so hard on it, and it was amazing!!!

When the video was over Ryan introduced a new tradition to the kids- their manger gifts. 

Kate LOVED her special doll her daddy picked out 

Andrew asks daily "can we cut paper?" so needless to say this present thrilled him 

Kate immediately took her doll into her new tent and stayed in there alone for an hour playing. 

Meanwhile I got things ready for brunch with the grandparents. I stressed over these quiches because I had never made them before but they were delicious! 

Quiche, homemade cinnamon rolls and yogurt parfait- yum! 

We loved having both sets of grandparents come! 

So thankful for these people!

Sugar from Pappy is the best!

Shortly after this the grandparents left, Andrew and Kate took naps, the boys played with their new toys and Ryan and I BOTH got a nap.  Like I mentioned earlier- most amazing Christmas ever!

Andrew woke up grumpy which meant I got some Christmas snuggles 

He perked up to build the new marble run

Kate was so tickled with her doll. I think she took her everywhere that day. 

I love this sweet girl so much!

After a super lazy afternoon it was time for dinner- chicken pastry 

And Christmas tree rolls made from my mom's bread dough 

Great end to a great day!