Such a Christmas.
We celebrated similarly to how we’ve done it the last few years. Pared down our giving (and asking) and were very intentional about how we spent our time together all December long.
And the best part?
This little one. Home and celebrating Christmas.
And despite a tentative beginning, she caught on pretty quickly.
And is now officially Christmas’ biggest fan.
Magnolia.
Favorite gift: Happy Napper Dog.
Favorite Christmas-y event: Definitely cookie decorating.
Clementine.
Favorite gift: Teeny Ty Mimi the Owl. Close second: Teeny Ty Nellie the Owl.
Favorite Christmas-y event: I can’t say for sure, because she really enjoyed decorating the cookies, but she was mesmerized when we trimmed the tree.
Tallula.
Favorite gift: “My CamelBak. Because now, instead of me having to get a stool and get a cup, I can just grab my CamelBak and drink it.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Making fudge and sending it to other people!”
Poppy.
Favorite gift: “My Olive Kids Nap Mat because I can use it on sleep outs.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Secret Santa because Tori made me a pickle.”
Vivienne.
Favorite gift: “Hmmmm. The Skip Hop backpack because it’s a cat and a backpack. And I can use it for church.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “The fudge. Because it tastes so good.”
Shepherd.
Favorite gift: “My AirSoft gun because it’s like Nerf, which I really like, but better.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Doing Secret Santa was my favorite. Getting a gift for Tallula and then seeing how she would react was really fun.”
Jude.
Favorite gift: “My AirSoft gun because it’s fun to shoot targets… and each other.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Making the fudge. And eating it.”
Isabelle.
Favorite gift: “The Rayman Legends because I’ve been playing it with Vivi and Poppy and there’s funny stuff like the part when we turned into ducks.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Making fudge. Because it tastes so good and I like watching you cook.”
Sophie.
Favorite gift: “The Vera Bradley wristlet. I like the colors a lot and it’s easy to carry.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Secret Santa. Or watching Clementine get super excited about opening her presents and making cookies and stuff.”
Dalton.
Favorite gift: “My gun. It’s just awesome.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “The fudge and the hot cocoa – because they’re both delicious.”
Asher.
Favorite gift: “My sander. Because now I can sand anything.”
Favorite Christmas-y event: “Watching Clementine open her gifts… she’s just too cutie.”
Zach.
Favorite present: “Overwatch.”
Christmas-y event: “Making homemade marshmallows and rice krispy wreaths.”
Victoria.
Favorite gift: “The scarf. And watercolors.”
Christmas-y event: “Making marshmallows and hot cocoa.”
The cherry on the top for this mama?
All my babies.
Together. For the first time in three Christmases.
Celebrating the birth of Christ.
To all our friends and loved ones, near and far, we wish you a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
– Isaiah 9:6