It started Friday night with El Monstero for the parents and a fun night at home watching movies and playing video games for the kids (this is a big treat for them).
Then, we opened gifts with Nana and Papa at our house on Saturday. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable visit. The kids are even getting old enough now that while they played with some of their new toys, the adults got to sit and talk for a bit without constantly interruptions.
We headed to Greenville on Sunday for time with the York clan to celebrate both Christmas and my grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary. It was a long day, but it was an amazing milestone to celebrate for them. If Billy and I are married 70 years we'll be 93 and 92! It was sad that my aunt Cathy couldn't be with us, so my Uncle Mike got out the iPad so she could still be present when we opened gifts, even if it was with video. I love how technology is keeping us connected even when we can't all physically be in the same place!
On Christmas Eve, we opened gifts with my parents and my brother's family. It was so much fun, in part because of our matching Christmas pajamas. The most memorable moment of that day was when Audrey and Barrett both opened Lego sets at the same time, and Fletcher wanted one. My mom handed him another gift to open, and when he saw it wasn't Legos, he pushed it away and said, "I don't want this. I want a Lego set." My mom then provided a gift that was a Lego set, and then he went on happily opening his other gifts. It was hilarious, but also a bit concerning to see how stubborn he can be!
Christmas day, we got up and went to Billy's grandmas. That is always a wonderful time, and often feels too short because most people have to leave right after lunch to head to other Christmas celebrations. Fletcher had a great time playing with the box to a toy Barrett got. He seriously laughed so hard he got out of breath and had to lay down (in the box of course) for a few minutes to catch his breath! We also iced the gingerbread cookies Audrey and I made for everyone to enjoy. The kids did a great job of decorating them!
When we got home on the afternoon of Christmas day, we opened gifts at home with just the 5 of us. While we didn't get the kids a dog this year (that ones always going to be the top of the list...at least for Audrey), we did manage to surprise them with gifts they really love and have played with constantly since Christmas.
Audrey got her Truly Me American Girl doll she's been wanting for some time. The hair is just a bit darker than hers, but the eyes, freckles, and earrings are all spot on.
Barrett got a game that helps him practice is hockey puck handling skills. Not surprisingly, the competition is fierce and everyone is taking turns trying to beat each other (even Fletcher...sort of).
Fletcher got several paw patrol toys, including a little tent for his bed. That gift really was a win/win because he willingly climbs into his tent bed for naps and bedtime now!
All in all, it was a great Christmas. I feel so very blessed to have so many family members nearby that we get to spend time with over the holidays. I am also so lucky to have 3 wonderful children who, while extremely spoiled, still enjoy the magic of the holidays and the time with family over the gifts they bring home...well, except the dog that they all still love dearly, even if he's a huge pain sometimes. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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