What a wild ride the last month has been! The kids had school right up until the last minute, so once Friday rolled around, it was all about baking, last-minute shopping, and watching as many Christmas movies as humanly possible. We were so happy to slow down a bit and enjoy the festivities with all of our babies. I find myself saying the same thing every year, but it’s true – the kids are at such fun ages right now!
On Christmas Eve eve we went to church. The kids loved holding their candles and singing Silent Night- a sight that I will never grow tired of! Christmas Eve was so much fun. I feel like we’ve finally found the right combination of fun and festive without feeling crazy. A couple of years ago, we started a new tradition of going out to an early dinner at PF Changs (because we’re so fancy and oh so tired of cooking). We played tic tac toe with the kids while we waited for our food and asked them about their best Christmas memories. It’s my favorite. Then we headed home to decorate gingerbread cookies for Santa and watch a movie together before getting the kids to bed early!
And I in my kerchief and Ryne in his cap stayed up a little later for some last-minute wrapping. George ended up in bed with us in the wee hours of the morning. We asked the big kids not to wake us before seven, but we could hear them mulling in the hall by six. After we took care of the essentials- making coffee, turning on some Christmas music, and snapping a quick pic of all four kids on the stairs- we let the kids run to the family room to see all that Santa brought them. Quinn was so excited to receive a few items from Athleta, Conrad couldn’t get enough of his legos and PEZ, and Ivy was over the moon about her baby that could go in the bathtub. George got the cutest playmat and a million snuggles.
The wrapping paper and scattered toys are the happiest mess and I love to let it hang all day. Ryne made cinnamon rolls, eggs, and bacon for breakfast and we continued watching all of our favorite Christmas movies throughout the day. Then it was off to my parents’ place for Christmas dinner, where the kids were thrilled to receive more toys and candy.
We usually go to Maui after the holidays but opted to stay home this year to soak up all the newborn baby snuggles. I loved being home to let the magic linger til the New Year! Every year this season goes by too fast. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year and I already can’t wait to include George in more of the fun next year!
