Merry Christmas 2016

Christmas is always multiple days of non-stop parties, food and gifts.  This year did not let us down.  In fact, I felt like it was even more crazy because Christmas fell on a Sunday.  We missed out on the weekend to get the last minute details ready and/or regroup from the busyness.  Like most years, all of the excitement happened in just a few consecutive days.  It was, however, a wonderful Christmas.  I loved watching the excitement in my kids as they unwrapped their gifts and marveled in the magic of this season.

Because Santa knew we would be so busy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, he paid us his visit on Friday, December 23.  We went to McDonald's for supper and came home to find presents under our tree.  Vera was jumping up and down and screaming with excitement as she realized Santa came!  Everyone was so, so good as we opened gifts.  I have to mention that my heart was so full as I watched Vera patiently wait for her turn to open a gift.  She even decided who would go first, and she made herself last in the rotation.  She was so good about sharing her gifts and helping her younger siblings just enough.  Gosh Vera, you just keep growing up!  Though I love the person you're becoming, I wish you'd slow down just a little! :)

Santa left this huge present upstairs.  We snapped a really fast picture before the rippage started.  A trampoline was inside this giant box.  Cool!

Santa brought this recliner.  Annie quickly staked her claim.  She's super speedy at getting in and out, and we're constantly telling her to sit down.

A huge barn!  Vince crawled inside immediately.  Then, he ran to get his tractors and animals and put them inside right away!

Look at the excitement!  A nail kit!

Love the smile!

Everything had to be taken out of the box pronto!  Vince is so excited for new farm equipment.

Hooray for new bath toys!

The Easy Bake Oven was a fun surprise!

Mr. Fix It.

I just love it!

Genuine excitement.

So pretty!

Teamwork to open this one!

The next day, Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Grammie and Papa.  It was a fun day with many fun gifts.  Vince knew just what to do.  He quickly flipped his gifts over and began tearing.  He was so excited to see what was inside.

So pretty!

A cool projection flashlight to go with the Doc story.  This provided lots of entertainment for Vera & Bailey throughout the day.

Woohoo!  Big truck!

Hurry, Papa!  Get it open!

Brrroooommm!

Pickles, of course!

Vinners kept sticking his tongue out.  This is so him right now.

Adam & I sported our ugly Christmas sweaters that we wore a week earlier.

Good pictures!

 The next morning, we got ourselves ready for another day of fun at Grandma & Papaw's house.  It wasn't as wild as last year, but still fairly chaotic.

Vince was so much fun this year.  To say he was excited about his gifts is an understatement.  He was so, so thrilled about opening every gift.  He squealed with delight, ran to show everyone the gift, and couldn't wait for it to come out of the box.  It actually brought tears to my eyes to see his absolute excitement.  He definitely left lasting memories for everyone as they shared in his excitement and appreciation for each and every gift opened.

His face!  He loves this gift!  

Vera loves her pillow craft from Karen!

Such a special picture.  Vera is thanking grandma for a special ornament.

Vince received an awesome skid loader as well.  Notice the dog right beside him.

Resting on the new sleeping bag.

Vince showed Papaw every single one of his gifts.  I remember him asking Papaw to pet his dog.  Papaw also had to check out the skid loader.  Here is a Tonka truck ornament from Mandy & Jeff.

In keeping with tradition, we took the Christmas PJ picture with grandma and grandpa.  It went a little better than last year.  There were still plenty of outtakes.

Snapping a pic of my 3 kiddos wasn't much easier than the whole group photo.

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year.  I love the innocent excitement and joy of all of the kids, the many wonderful memories and precious time spent with our family.