Christmas 2014

This year's Christmas was exceptionally special for two reasons.  It's Vince's first Christmas, and we have many great memories of that.  Secondly, it was our last Christmas (possibly) in our house before we move.  I did my best to soak in each moment of the holidays, because next year we'll probably be making new memories in a new home.

Santa came while everyone was napping on Christmas Eve.  Vera didn't even notice the gifts when she woke from her nap.  It wasn't until she went to take her diaper off that she realized Santa had paid a visit.  She was so excited that she was almost speechless.  She ran giddily from room to room announcing Santa had come.  It was so fun to watch her tear open her gifts, and see the excitement on her face!

Vin gave his best shot at opening his gifts.  He managed to chew on the paper and the gift inside.

A new swing for the swing set--in big girl size!

Kinetic Sand and cookie cutters.

Love her face here!

Vera helped Vince open some of his gifts.

This is a "beauty salon doll" that came with plenty of hair accessories and make up.  Vera named her Rapunzel because she has really long hair.

She wasted no time hopping on the scooter.  She actually did really well on her first attempts.

 We spent the rest of our Christmas Eve playing with all of the new surprises.  It was a fun night with lots of great memories.  After the kids went to bed, Adam and I enjoyed a movie and some drinks.

Princess Anna

Princess Anna and her sidekick brother.
Santa brought the beanbag, and it's a perfect seat for Vince.

Princess Anna and her horse.

We played a lot of beauty shop.  The spray bottle was a huge hit.  Rapunzel's hair was soaked by the end of the night.

The next day was Christmas Day.  After church, we took off for the Bertke Christmas at Grandma Otte's house.

Vince and Eli hung out together for a bit.  Eli is about a month older than Mr. Vince.

Two days later, we went back to Grandma Otte's house for our family Christmas.

Nora-3 months     Scarlett-1 month     Vera-3 years      Vince-6 months     Blake-2 years

Vince tried to open his own gifts again.  But he got a little snippet of paper in his mouth, gagged a little, and then spit up.  That prompted the end of him opening his own gifts.

And finally, we ended our Christmas parties with the Pearson family on Sunday.

Rosie had the kids put on a "performance" before the gift-opening.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, filled with many warm memories and time with family.