We had a really wonderful Christmas this year. It was busy and full, exhausting and fun, rainy and WARM. We may have had some terrible weather but our Christmas was one big blessing and fun memory after another. Our hearts are full and we are so grateful for our amazing time with family as we enjoyed this super special holiday and celebrated the birth of our Savior.
Christmas kicks off for us every single year on the 23rd when we have Christmas with Terrell's side of the family and this year Terrell was able to be off on the 23rd and didn't have to go back to work until today! This was a first for us and we LOVED it!! Yay for extra time off for daddy! =)
*Quick side note: Wednesday morning Terrell stayed home with Austin and Layton while I took Garrison to the eye doctor in the pouring rain. He'd been complaining with headaches and his eyes hurting after computer lab, reading, homework, etc. so we wanted to have his eyes checked out during our break. Looks like our oldest inherited his daddy's eye sight so glasses are coming soon. He's not super thrilled about it but I think being able to see better will go a long way towards him being okay with them. He's mostly nervous and self conscious but hopefully he'll adjust quickly and so will family, friends, and classmates. He's definitely not one for being the center of attention and of course doesn't want to be laughed at, so this is a big deal for him. We're hoping to pick up his glasses this week so he can start getting used to them before school starts back. He won't have to wear them playing sports unless he wants to and he won't even have to wear them playing outside or around the house. So that's a plus. He can also start wearing contacts whenever he's ready... or we think he's ready. The good news is that his eyes are healthy and that glasses will make a big difference for him. So we're thankful for that and hoping this is a smooth transition for him.*
Wednesday afternoon we made our way across town in horrible rain to Nana and Pops' house to kick off Christmas!! The cousins made "melted snowman" cookies and played with stickers and games and whatever they could think of before dinner. It was actually a pretty quiet afternoon believe it or not. Terrell's mom made lasagna for us that night like she does every year and it was delish. I love having a big variety of food over Christmas. Our annual lasagna Christmas dinner is one of my favorites!
After a huge dinner the cousins all got their new pajamas from Nana and after getting everybody changed it was picture time!
Before opening presents Nana read Itsy Bitsy Christmas to the grands. Such a sweet story! Things got interesting with Layton but all the big cousins did great. =)
After finishing up with story time it was time to open presents. The kids were thrilled and sooo excited! We made a huge mess and had lots of fun giving and receiving. =) It was a wonderful start to our Christmas and such a blessing to be able to be together with family but then drive 10 minutes back to our very own house to sleep in our very own beds. Being back home is still the best. It still hasn't worn off, we still don't take it for granted, and we are still so, sooo thankful.
Christmas Eve morning we were up bright and early and ready to go back over to Nana and Pops' house for their annual Christmas Eve breakfast. A special tradition we enjoy every single year. I think this year's breakfast made my 17th attended. Possibly 18th. I've been a part of the family for a looong time. Haha. As the family has grown my in-laws have started transforming their garage for the big occasion each year.
My big boys were super excited. And due to the extra warm temps I gave in and let them wear shorts like daddy. Sigh.
My parents and my sister are invited each year to the family and friends breakfast so of course we had to make lots of pictures of our newest little member!
Piper's Santa outfit belonged to our niece Shannon before Kara passed it along to Anna. So we got a picture of them together. =)
My family. Thank you Jesus for all my boys. (Notice how I was the only one pretending like it was cold outside. Ha! At least we had a cold front the weekend before Christmas and we're supposed to have another one for New Year's.)
Kara's fam who was all dressed up for their Christmas Eve service at church later that afternoon.
And the whole group together!
We had a huge, delicious breakfast together and a fun morning spent with family and friends. And before we left to go home I snapped a quick picture of my littlest actually posing pleasantly and voluntarily. Baby boy was NOT a fan of having his picture made this Christmas. Haha.
We had such a great kick off to Christmas with the Selph side! We ate good, laughed a lot, enjoyed new presents, and had a wonderful time together spent celebrating Jesus and His birthday.
Next up, our whirlwind of Christmas 2015~ Part 2!
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