In our family, we do Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with Chris' family. Not sure how that happened but I know Christmas Eve was always the bigger day for my family. Even as a kid. There was the Christmas Eve service at church, presents, a big meal and Jesus' birthday party.
Love all those things.
Although, the church service is certainly different with little people. Rhys is not quite old enough to set there mostly content for 45 minutes. Aubrey Kate does a great job. She loves the singing and all the people to watch. She goes back and forth between me, Chris and Nana. That girl eats up being with her family.
Rhys wanted to draw on the hymnal and break the candle.
Soooo....
Since the littles entered the family, we've moved our big meal to a late lunch/early dinner. No one naps now which is both awesome and NOT. But it does free up our time more. We're more open to how we spend the day.
This Christmas Eve was the first day the cousins all saw each other.
(SIDE NOTE: This is our last year with cousins only on my side. Yay!)
AK and Rhys ADORE Noah and Miller. They talk about them frequently. Asking to play and when can we go see them. Or wondering if they can come to our birthday party. Because, clearly, birthday party attendance is a primary concern.
They all played mostly well together. Noah is getting big. Fast. And with that comes wanting to do his own things without the littles. They won't be little for long but they'll always be little to big boy Noah.
Pictures were a challenge this year. We wanted all of them together. But no amount of bribery could convince Miller to take a picture with the cousins. Good thing these three are super cute!
Please know that behind the sippy cup is Rhys in a Christmas shirt. I need some acknowledgment for getting him in that thing. Because he's two and whatever Momma wants him to do is EXACTLY the thing he does not want to do.
This was our Christmas card. Which I sent out via social media.
We don't send out Christmas cards. I know. We're awful. I adore getting them and save them every year in that year's scrapbook.
When we first got married, I decided not to do them because, really, who wants to see a picture of the two of us. Our parents, that's who and they saw pictures of us plenty. Once Aubrey Kate came along, I thought I would start but truthfully, it's simpler (and cheaper) not to do them. I know cards can be a source of stress and frustration for some and I'm grateful not to put that pressure on myself or our budget. My precious friends seem to understand and keep sending me their pictures. Thank you, friends!
And my mighty brother's family. I love these people. Sure, they're my people so I'm required to love them but I am grateful I LIKE them too.
Noah and Miller, they are growing too fast. I lost it when they left us for the last time this Christmas. I'll see them again sooner this year than in most but I know it's not the big events that make memories. It's the little every day things. Going to basketball games or running with them at a school fun run...those are the moments that make a life.
So I'm grateful they have lots of cousins on my SIL's side. Cousins who live close by they can grow up with and be connected to.
Pictures and bribery out of the way, it was time for presents.
This was the first Christmas Rhys really got to experience the joy of gifts. Last year, he was preciously content to play with the paper. I love little hearts. This year, though, he was unbelievably excited with everything. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Such pure joy!
And now please notice, the Christmas shirt is gone. Replaced by our absolutely favorite shirt. Aubie. AND, oh AND, he glows in the dark! Like all good and proper boy things do. My rule is he can wear it two days in a row and then, ewwwww, it's time to wash it. Let's not even discuss the fact it's a short-sleeved shirt and it's the dead of winter.
Whatever.
My regret is I didn't get a video of Aubrey Kate opening her gifts. She LOST IT when she got her Jake and the Neverland Pirates Treasure Chest and the Ana doll.
"OH MY GOSH!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!!" (SUCKING IN AIR AND JUMPING)
Words just don't do the drama justice. But I was kinda living in the moment watching her open her gifts. It was an amazing moment.
I completely missed the boys opening their gifts. Noah opened his in record time. Miller too. Tearing into one right after another. I was worried Noah might not have liked his Champion active wear we got him but seeing as he had it on for the next three days straight, I figure it was acceptable.
Miller though. Look at this.
Eat him up.
After the chaos of opening presents, we attempted to settle down for birthday cake and the reading of the birth of our Savior. Mom and Dad started the birthday party 34 or 36 years ago. I was here but it was before Adam. I think. Don't quote me on that. Let's just say the cake isn't big enough to hold all the candles for the years we've been throwing the birthday party.
Dad reads from Luke, we light the candles, sing "Happy Birthday" and EAT.
This is such a special tradition in our family. One I am grateful my parents started and joyfully thrilled to continue it with my own little people.
All those presents carefully and expectantly purchased or made, wrapped and given to each other only because our Father gave His son.
Unto us He was given so upon Himself, He could take our sin and failures.
Unto us given life and upon Himself taken death.
What an amazing love.
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