Five Christmases with kids this year and it just gets more fun every year. It was a blast seeing both boys react to their gifts and each others. We did a smaller gift exchange this year for the kids. In the past we went over the top, but since we are saving for Disneyland we opted to tone it down. I’m so glad we did. We have such wonderful family and extended family that showered both boys with gifts. They had more than enough to make it a fantastic Christmas. I loved that the toys were easy to find homes for and put away, and also that by the end of the day each kiddo had played with all their toys.
We filled the holiday season with lots of baking, crafts, and get togethers. This year we went out for Christmas Eve. It’s fun to switch things up. Both boys had so much fun with their cousins. And such a fun site to see all the kids simultaneously ripping into presents. We discovered Aiden is definitely allergic to cats. Such a trooper with swollen and dry eyes for 2 days. Thankfully we found out from the doctor he can have Benadryl and he’s on the mend. On the way home we stopped and drove the annual luminaries in a friends neighborhood. Next year we plan on doing a quiet Christmas Eve and take the kids to walk the neighborhood. It’s such a beautiful site to see a whole neighborhood come together in a light celebration.
Christmas day was relaxing. No cooking, no baking (except cinnamon rolls), just quiet time with the family. Both boys were less than cooperative with the whole big Santa present reveal. Aiden nearly walked past his bike and was more excited about the Lara bars than his big gift. Emerson hightailed it back to the bedroom and JD had to bribe him with his favorite book. When he came out though he was so excited and knew just what to do with his rocking horse.
The kids spent a good 2 hours opening presents and playing. The adults did the annual handmade gift exchange. A few works in progress still but a great handmade gift year: refinished kitchen table, personalized mom necklace, bottle cap mosaic table, plush book, lego travel case, photo canvases, and records turned into CD’s. It was another great Christmas to remember. Oh and I almost forgot my custom wash tape dispenser, designed and built by my amazing husband.
The year has gone by in a flash and I can’t believe both boys are growing so quickly. I cherish this time we get to slow down and enjoy. 2 weeks off with dad has quickly vanished to one. The rest of the year is family time: lots of giggles and memory making.
