Our Christmas

We have been celebrating our own little Christmas around here. Over the years, we have developed a series of traditions that feel so us.

 

Thursday, we had our annual Christmas dinner with Steph and Ryan. This dinner has evolved from a huge party for Brad's lab into a much smaller gathering for our Duke friends still in the area. This year, Issa set the table:

 We use Christmas china, and this year we had ham and potatoes. The menu varies, but the two constants are decorating sugar cookies and having a wonderful evening.

Saturday, we had our family Christmas. We have reserved the Saturday before we head North to be just for us. The kiddos woke up to discover Santa had visited:

 He and the reindeer were out for a practice ride, and he stopped by to let them know he remembered where to find them Christmas morning. He also brought the kitties some new toys and Viv a bone. Santa may not have realized how very big that bone was. Viv was beside herself.

The kids also got to open their gifts from Mom and Dad:

 The big gift is always a trip to Great Wolf mid-winter, but there is also something small to open. This year, we gave them the Reading Rainbow ap (which is awesome if anyone is looking for a great reading ap). Since it's hard to wrap an ap, though, we gave them rainbow sun catchers to paint. We spent the morning reading and relaxing, and then we headed to the ice rink to watch the Nutcracker on Ice. The show was so fun, and it was a great introduction to the Nutcracker for the kids. Evan loved the battle, and Issa loved the snowflakes. The only bummer moment was when Daddy handed me some popcorn, which I popped in my mouth, only to discover he was handing it to me to throw away because Evan had dropped it on the floor. Grossness.

We came home, took some high quality naps, and then made our traditional fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn meal. This year, though, we decided to eat it as a picnic on the floor by the light of the tree and a fire. The kids found it hilariously fun, and I have a feeling it will become a part of the tradition.

After dinner, we settled in to watch Christmas movies with this new treat:

 Christmas popcorn! It's just popcorn tossed with almond bark and sprinkles, but it is so yummy.

Sunday, Issa created sun catchers:

 And we all played. We did a little shopping, and we just enjoyed being together.

In the evening, we headed to another Christmas dinner with friends. The highlight for the kiddos at the party:

We baked gingerbread men in the afternoon and took icing with us. The kids had a blast decorating and playing. Issa  and Shelby played dress up and put on enough perfume for a year. Evan and Tyler played cars, and the laughter from Evan made everyone's night. '

The weekend was lovely and a much needed bright spot in the midst of the cloud.

Merry Christmas to all...