CHRISTMAS.

If you're thinking, Whoa, wait. What? Christmas? It's mid February you crazy, that's because you're right. I am posting about Christmas on February 17th to be exact. Only I'm back dating to December to make myself feel better. Ha. I have a few loose ends to wrap up before Baby #3 arrives, and this is one of them. So deal with it :)

We had a very nice, laid back Christmas this year, and couldn't be happier about it. We scaled back the holiday, sought out more time at home, and focused on our own little traditions. It was great.

Our festivities began with Christmas Eve brunch at my mom's house.

 Cousins!

 What could it be?! (a pillow pet!)

 Auntie Angie and her crew got Dude this awesome fedora hat. He loved it!

Showing his monkey face!

 

We had the whole afternoon and evening at home which was a huge change for us this year. It gave us the time to carry out lots of our own little family's traditions, like...

 

Making a yummy dinner.

Finishing up our cookies for Santa.

Sprinkling reindeer food on the front lawn. They like oatmeal, raisins, and glitter, in case you wanted to know :)

Getting ready for bed wearing our new Christmas jammies.

 



Reading The Night Before Christmas.

And dreaming while visions of sugar plums danced in our heads. (I am almost 100% positive I took a pic of Dude sleeping on this night too, and I can't find it anywhere! Sorry buddy. I'm sure you looked adorable)

 

We woke on Christmas morning excited to see if Santa had come, and sure enough, he did!

 

We peeked in our stockings first, and found lots of snacks and goodies!

Dude was all about the snacks, and could have cared less about presents. He just wanted to eat!

 

Nugget asked Santa for this pink sparkly treasure chest she spied at Target, and he remembered!

 

 

Doodey asked for a race track for his cars, and it ended up being fun for all!

 

 

He also got some big boy undies, which made him super happy.

 

 Showing us his muscles.

 

And saying 'Ta da' for getting all the undies pulled up on his legs :)

 

One of my favorite things is that the kids exchange presents with each other. This is a sweet tradition that I hope we continue for many years. Just one small thing, picked specially for the other. Sister gave Dude a hand carved, wooden tractor, and Dude gave his Sissy face paint pencils.

 

 

Nugget was also proud to give us this bell she made for us at school.

 

 

Nick and I exchanged a few, small gifts as well. This sweatshirt is so soft.

 

 

We spent the rest of the morning lounging around home, playing with new toys, and making this birthday cake for Jesus. Okay, I can't take any credit for the cake, that goes all to Nick and Nugget. But it was tiramisu and every bit delicious.

 

 

After nap time we headed to my Grandpa and Grandma Bowen's house for some extended family time and yummy food.

 

 Cousin Cara and Nugget

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Hope yours was just as happy and blessed as ours!