Holiday Celebrations

What an amazing holiday time!

Even though we are are not able to spend it with all of our friends and family, we do have a lot to be grateful for.

Big Grandma is out of the hospital and able to enjoy it with us. We are all healthy. And Courtney has a break from his business travel! What more can we ask for?

Santa Fun!

Our chiropractors hosted a Pajama Party that included a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Not only that, but we were able to help others by donating PJs so that other children could enjoy a new set for the holidays.

Yes, the girls were with us. No, they would not even stand next to Santa. Maybe next year …

Christmas Eve Services

We sure missed our traditional Christmas Eve services at the UU in Montclair, NJ. AND we missed wearing our footie pajamas to service. I think it was smart to just show up in festive shirts to a new church. It seemed we could easily overwhelm them.

Not only did we get to share the time with fellow UU’s, but we had another awesome chance to catch up with the Tantes! Of course, the Grinch still went to service with us. Couldn’t let that tradition stop. He always needs some church on Christmas Eve.

Here’s the normal family:

Here’s the crazies!

Then it was time to come home for the annual Christmas Eve pizza eating. This time, we also watched a movie.

Putting out reindeer dust so they could find us.

Christmas Day

It must of worked. Look at how hungry the reindeer and Santa were …

Notice the plate, Elektra? Kaija made me go through all of our boxes to find it! That was such a special gift. I think this is the seventh Christmas in a row that we’ve used it.

No Peeking!

Rules are – 1) Wait until 8am, 2) Daddy HAS to have his coffee first.

Tada! I think it was worth the wait.

What beautiful children.

Oh – another gift popped up! Here’s Emma.

The children all agreed – we’d wake up, have first breakfast and only do our stockings. Then we’d go out and get Big G to be with us for everything else! I think she had a good time. 🙂

Look at her favorite gift. She loves her chocolate!

After second breakfast, it was time to play Monopoly with credit cards. Kaija was so excited to receive this! Then we all just hung out watching the Christmas parades and specials on TV.