Occupied

Zach to Ahren - "Daddy, can you put my toy in your pocket to keep it safe for me?  I would put it in mine, but my hand is in there right now."

Christmas 2013

The day after Thanksgiving this year, it was suddenly Christmas!  That happens every year, but this year seemed even faster because Thanksgiving was late.  At first I struggled to get into the Christmas Spirit.  I wanted to enjoy Christmas in our new home, but with the contractors and painters still occupying most of the space, it was hard to get the house looking Christmas-y.  So the first week or so was completely forced.  But as I started faking it, the kids really got into it, and suddenly it was Christmas, and it was good.

My beautiful gifts.

Sometimes the preparation for the Christmas is more fun that the day itself.  We had so much fun this year decorating our tree, baking cookies, and spreading Christmas Cheer.

Lexi helps decorate the tree

Finishing touch!

Lexi and Zach help decorate.

Decorating makes us hungry!

 

Time to decorate Gigi and Poppy's tree!

Ready for some baking!

The kids had fun with this gingerbread house.

Zach really got into it!

...And it got all over him!

The cookies did not want to stay!

Lexi did a great job rolling the cookies!

Zach's job was to unwrap the kisses.  One for the bowl, one for the mouth...

Done!  And YUMMY!

This year Zach got to help with the Tipo too!!

It's very serious work.

Gigi and Lexi practice some Christmas carols.

We visited Great Gram and did more caroling.

Zach preferred to monkey around.

Silly boy.

My little Christmas spot.

Zach "helps" with the fudge

Almost like Santa's!

Fudge ready for deliveries!

Zach admires his cookie art work.

Lexi's are beautiful too!

Beautifully decorated cookies!

One of the best days we had was the Friday before Christmas when the kids and I went visiting.  We spent an hour visiting and catching up with Fadia and Tom.  It was so wonderful seeing them again, and they were amazed at how much the kids had grown.  Once we got home, we walked next door to visit with our new neighbors the Bardascino's.  They are very Italian, which feels homey to me.  Of course the invited us in, gave us yummy Italian Christmas cookies, and we just chatted and visited for another hour.  When we got home I said, "Wow, that was really fun!"  and Lexi said, "Yes!  I loved that.  It was really nice."  We didn't knock on the door of our other neighbors, but we did leave a little treat in the mailbox.  A couple of days later we found a box of chocolates and a lovey note from them telling us how much they look forward to meeting us.  Those moments really made me feel at home in our neighborhood.  It was a wonderful Christmas gift.

Italian Fig Cookies from Valerie.

Finally Christmas Eve arrived, and with it came Auntie Amy, Uncle Scott, Ben, Cassie and Sophie.  We all met at Gigi and Poppy's house, and it was amazingly fun chaos from the moment they arrived until the last ribbon was thrown away.  We have so much fun prepping for the party together, while also making sure we squeeze in every possible Christmas Tradition.  It was a very silly afternoon. We even got some stern looks when we all cracked up laughing in church together on Christmas Eve.  JEEZ-US! 

Ready to hang the stockings!

Hung by the chimney with care.

The kids practice carols with Gigi.

Poppy does his traditional reading of "The Night Before Christmas"

 After church the party began, and it was a full house and tons of fun as always!  Lexi got the first gift from Santa, which was really awesome.  Both kids really enjoyed the visit from St. Nick this year.

All dressed up!

Beautiful children.

Ready to PARTY!!

Gigi and Poppy love their grandchildren!

Our family.

Our littler family.

Happy!

The kids wait for Santa to arrive.

Finally, he is here!!

They are so excited for presents!

One for Lexi!  Yay!

The wrapping paper flies!

One for Zachy!!

A great book!

I love getting my picture with Santa!

Christmas Day was another whirlwind of paper flying and squeals of delight.  After the morning gifts opening, we were joined by Great Gram, Uncle Jack and Aunt DJ, and Uncle Jay and eventually Marcia.  We had a lovely dinner together, and then opened a few more gifts.  It was a spectacular day.

The following day, Boxing Day, we packed up our car and headed to Lippman South, to see Grammy, Grampy, Auntie Kae, Uncle Devan, Aunt Jen, Eva, Logan, and Auntie Jen's parent's and sister, Marta.  This day is much more relaxed, but at the same time equally chaotic and fun.  I think what I love most about Christmas is the chaos of family chatter and gifts flying around me, and just sitting back to take it all in.  The day was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the family was happy. 

Grammy's beautiful tree!

The boys - Zach and Logan

A balancing act.

Lexi received a beautiful jewelry box from her Great Aunt Kim.

After dinner, we packed up, headed home, and as quickly as it all began, Christmas was over.  It's a wonderful whirlwind that comes every December and I am always as happy to see it go as I am to see it arrive.  Now it's time to get back to our routines, with the added benefit of all the new toys.  :)