A Smashing Christmas!

It happened.

It was here and now it is gone.

Christmas. What a beautiful Christmas.

On Christmas Eve our family has always gone to Grandma Donna's house for tacos or spaghetti to open our gifts and eat dinner. It's been a "tradition," if you will for as long as I can remember. I went through a phase where I didn't appreciate it as much as I could (should) have. Now that I am older and have children of my own, I cling to this time with family. It's so important and special. This year was no different!

Daniel & I before we went to Grandma's....

Bubby & Mommy
Aunt Jeni and Nora at Grandma Donna's before we opened gifts..

Daddy & our lady.

PooPaw and Brother

Miss Elaine♥

More presents!

** Sisters**

Bubba got a drum set (just what we needed) and Uncle Jake couldn't wait to help him use it!

He was THRILLED!

...gettin into the music...

Nora's face just screams "We're gonna torture you mom!":)

So after Christmas Eve dinner, we had to hurry home to get the babe's fast asleep. Santa was coming to set up toys, after all. After he had come and gone, our toy room looked beautiful...just awaiting 2 redheads who would excitedly be joining the load of toys in the morning.

Nora woke up before Braden ( a first EVER in this house ) and was more than excited to see her castle and dolls sitting out, unwrapped.

Daddy had to wake up our boy and he just wasn't quite sure about the whole deal right away...

...of course it didn't take him long to warm up to the idea of it all...

Not long at all.

Uncle Jake was happy.

Daddy was happy.

...and although we were all tired, we had a great morning.

The day didn't end here. We went to Daniel's dad's house and enjoyed a great lunch with his family. We opened gifts and I really just took in my kids' excitement. We came back here where my mother-in-law and I made noodles, finished the turkey and I made a yummy sweet potato casserole. Daniel's sister and niece joined us for a casual dinner and mom & Jeni stopped by. It was a day to remember, for sure.

The babies woke up feeling rather sick this morning. Nora has a fever. So besides playing with new toys and cuddling in blankets, I am leaving the mess. I am ignoring the "things" that typically make me anxious and focusing on this time with my children. They are excited and I want to share in these moments with them. Daddy had to work today, but we are excited for him to get home as well, so we can soak in some much needed family time. It is snowing here finally. No better time for warm hugs and thoughts of Jesus.

A Smashing Christmas, Indeed.