Christmas Celebrations

Christmas Eve was a relaxing day spent at home and running a few errands.  It was a little strange, in a good way, because it was a Saturday, so Ryan was at home all day.  We went to church in the afternoon and even slipped in a few pictures afterwards.  It's been a tradition to take pictures of the kids with their friends on Christmas, and this year was no different.  It was hard to make them all cooperate, but this shows a real look at them.  Lauren wasn't really into talking to anyone at church the whole time and when it was time for pictures, it was no different.

When we got home, I made the kids pose for solo pictures before we could eat supper, again with the bribes, but it works!  I love to see them dressed up and know that they will all too soon be grown up, so this is my way of slowing down time.

 Presents were fun of course.  I included a few pictures that captured their expressions.  The kids did a good job of being thankful, which made the whole experience more enjoyable.  We let them sleep in the living room by the fireplace and the tree, but it kind of turned into a nightmare when they were still awake at 10:30.  They did a good job the next day, I think excitement can get them through for a few days.

Sunday was spent at Mom and Dad's.  Thankfully everyone was able to be there since sickness had hit Jeremy's house the few days prior to Christmas.  A few weeks ago the kids had spent the night at Grandpa's to practice their Christmas story play that they did for us.  It was fun to see them get involved in the tradition of retelling the Christmas story.  This is something that we always did at my grandparent's house when I was growing up.  Aubrey was and an angel and Herod, Cameron was a shepherd and a wise man and Lauren was an angel and baby Jesus when the wise men came.

 Passing out presents

 She's so small, she fits in her own suitcase.  I guess if we fly, we won't have to buy her a seat, we'll just put her in the luggage!  

 Aubrey got her one true wish, a REAL camera!   The camera is hiding her expression, but she was very  happy and has taken well over 100 pictures since Christmas day.  *side note-she picked out her own new frames and I think they look very nice*

 Lauren was helping Lilly open her presents and explaining what we gave her.

 Proof of the once a year male dish washing session, notice that Dad is missing.

 Kyle and the crew

And Lauren in her little basket that she's fit into for quite some time.  I think it was a year ago that she first sat in it.  I think she's Kyle's new best friend because while everyone else gives him grief for his beard, she said, "I like this beard."