Christmas came and went this week and it was pretty great.
But, I have to admit that I had a hard time catching the Christmas spirit this month and feeling the magic of the season. Our traditions were rushed, ill-planned, and some didn't happen at all. Blame it on being busy, too many activities, too much to do, flying by the seat of my pants . . . whatever. But really I just did not take the time to slow down and let myself ponder on the season and feel the peace it brings. I regretted that all month. Ugh. BUT we did escape for a few days before Christmas to my family's cabin and there we were able to experience some of the quiet, peace, and magic that we had missed this season.
So in an effort to recount our Christmas celebrations - the good, the savored, and the rushed! - I'm going to share a few posts here in reverse order. Starting with Christmas Day and working my way backwards. We shall see how far I get. :)
First, Christmas Day.
This year our kids are 10, 12, and 15. No littles in the family but there was still plenty of anticipation and excitement over Christmas morning.
There were Legos. He built this 1600 piece set in one day.
Robotic puppies (a Zoomer Zuppy). Anna is alllll about the animals. In addition to this puppy she received 5 stuffed animals and one stuffed donut. You should see her bed.
Payton is always one to surprise us and asked Santa for a soprano glockenspiel
It was a drone Christmas in our house - the boys got matching drones
I loved Conner's reaction over getting an electric razor. Yes, he needs it.
I also loved Anna's reaction over receiving Guess Who? from Conner. She was over the moon!
This was also a Star Wars Christmas and the boys' new Star Wars robes were a HUGE hit!
A real soccer bag, new soccer ball, gatorade water bottles, and practice gear from dad.
I love the kids' Christmas stockings so much.
I received the KitchenAid mixer I never knew I wanted. Scott found an amazing deal so he snatched it up, even though I have been so hesitant to the idea over the years. It was the kind of deal you can not pass up. After making my first batch of rolls as a KitchenAid virgin and watching that dough hook in action . . . . . I finally get it. I'm converted.
Throughout the morning the kids went outside to test their new toys
Meanwhile I prepared a dinner of chicken chowder, rolls, Jell-O, pigs in a blanket (bacon-wrapped sausages), and set the table for Christmas dinner with the missionaries. One of the elders serving in our ward is from England, so he felt completely at home with our tradition of Christmas crackers at the table and did not hesitate at all to wear his tissue paper crown.
That night we played Telestrations
Oh, and here is the completed Lego TIE Fighter
