4 Christmas celebrations (and 1 still to go), 642 pictures, and more sugar cookies than I dared to count. And here we are…fat and happy 😉
Christmas week started off with a cookie exchange at my neighbor Ali’s house. The cookies were delicious, and the company was even better. I love these girls!
Next up…more cookies. I told you.
We continued our cousin cookie decorating tradition at my parents’ house–and I’m pretty sure the kids ate more frosting than they actually used to decorate. I don’t want to think about how many times Arden probably snuck a lick and then dipped her knife back into the bowl…
The next day we took the kids to see the new Chipmunks movie (which was pretty cute!) and went to the candlelight Christmas service at our church that night. I love that service and will continue to look forward to it every year.
We celebrated with my family on Christmas Eve just like we always do. It’s probably my favorite day of the year, but I’m not going to lie, this year was really hard. Everything about that celebration reminds me of my brother and it was heartbreaking not having him there. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last 9 months it’s that when sadness tries to overcome me, it’s time to count my blessings. And I have so so many of those…
 |
We ate, we talked, we laughed, we watched home videos. We made it through it together.
And then we watched a bunch of lunatic cousins whip & nae nae, karate chop, and chest bump until we were all rolling. Leave it to those weirdos (and the holiday caffeine) to keep us all happy 🙂
All that craziness must’ve worn Arden out because she slept in until almost 9 Christmas morning. So we waited…
But once our sleeping beauty arose (and we reminded her what day it was) she was READY to go!
 |
| pajamas |
And the feedback? Santa did good!
Nash kept saying “beep beep” and Arden made several trips to Disney World in her new truck…before it even moved from our foyer.
 |
pretend makeup / boots |
Santa brought me some fun things in my stocking including these candles, this Hazel-inspired tape dispenser (which I LOVE!), and some pretty cute camo leggings. That Santa, he knows me well.
My parents came over later that day to see the kids’ gifts and just hang out. And of course we had to take the new ride out for a test drive. It was Arden & Nash approved…
And Hazel too!
 |
| frozen decals |
I can already tell this truck is going to get some mileage over the coming years.
That evening we ordered Chinese takeout and played…and played…and played some more. It was just a really good day.
 |
| dollhouse |
Later that weekend we hosted Christmas for my father-in-law’s side of the family. I love planning parties, but the actual hosting part–uhh, that scares me. Especially with a group of 20+
BUT, we did it…and we had a lot of fun in the process!
This was my best attempt at making disposable tableware look pretty. The plastic glitter silverware is my favorite part!
Chris took Monday off, which gave me a little extra time to clean, and organize, and purge (ohhh…it felt so good!)…but the best part of the day? SNOW! Arden might’ve asked me 100 times if it was going to snow on Christmas, so I’m so happy she got her wish–even if it was a few days late.
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and found much to be thankful for! Next up…new years! I’m coming for ya, 2016!
So fun! I love their Christmas jams!! Isn't it amazing how many pictures we end up taking lol? I took 468 pictures on Christmas morning alone!
Aw you can just feel the love in these photos and I'm so glad you guys were able to laugh lots! I took hundreds of photos as well, and I'm so glad I have such wonderful memories to look back on!
So glad you had a Merry Christmas, looks wonderful from your pictures! Winter has definitely arrived!!
The best Christmas celebrations with family, friends and special memories. Thinking of you sweet friend, these holidays can be the toughest x
Looks like your Christmas was the merriest! Can't wait for a neighborhood powerwheel parade. (Word on the street is that Nathan's boys and Lilly + Olivia got them, too!)
I love her dollhouse! I was pondering that exact one and love seeing it in person. May have to file that one away for the future……
The car. Bless it.
Looks like a great Christmas!! I love that Santa put a wreath on the truck. PS – your hair is always perfect!!
What a fun Christmas! Love that you had to remind Arden what day it was. Ha ha!! The truck is pretty awesome and Hazel in the back only makes it cuter.
It looks like you all had such a wonderful Christmas [x a lot!]. Your kiddos are adorable and it looks like they really had a good Christmas. Love those pictures of them in the truck, too cute!