Oh Christmas, you are my most favorite holiday. I love the lights, I love to give and watch others open gifts and see the smiles on their faces, I love reading the story of the sweet baby Jesus' birth, I love the songs and JOYS that the season brings, I love the food, yes, new dishes and old dishes, my tummy gets way too full, I love the break from routine and having Noah home during the day, I love time with family celebrating all of our many blessings over the past year, and I love starting a new year when it's all said and done knowing that each year I start out loved, forgiven, and pursued more than I can ever imagine...it's about Christ, then, now, and forever!!
And so our Christmas day was a day I could do again and again...waking up with the kids and opening gifts. The kids GAVE their gifts first and watched their brother/sister open. Lots of smiles, thank yous and hugs. And then we told the story of baby Jesus, the greatest gift we have ever received. And it's much sweeter hearing the story from a 6 year old and 4 year old...
Miss Evie with her gifts from Noah and Haley!!
Haley got a new barbie from Noah!!
Dylan got some new crayons and pirate bath toys from Haley and Noah!!
Haley got Noah a lego set!!
Then mid-morning Grammy, Papa, Grandma Wray and the Baileys showed up and the Christmas tree was again spilling over with presents...
We ate some a wonderful meal with yummy ribs prepared by my all too wonderful hubby!!
We opened presents, played cards, did some Kinect dancin', and played with our cousins!!
Check out Kate and Dylan's dancing moves...
Despite none of my kids truly feeling completely up to par, Miss Evie stole the show for "best dressed" and "most happy"!!
And the birthday cake for Jesus that while was a great learning lesson for my older two kids, the cake baking and making just about made this momma crazy. Not sure that I will dive into this one again next year...but we still love you Jesus!!! :-)
Here's Haley singing about the one candle on top of the cake...Jesus is the Light of the World!!
