Christmas 2011

Christmas was perfect this year. For me, once I took time to slow down and enjoy the holiday with family and friends Christmas became what it is supposed to be about! I'm not going to lie, those few weeks leading up to Christmas were a bit hectic. Back to work, lots of shopping, cleaning, cooking, wrapping...it all was a bit much and left me overwhelmed. I kept telling myself I'm not going to let the stress get to me, but it did. However, I refused to let it all take the joy out of Christmas. The few days leading up to Christmas and Christmas day were so peaceful and full of fun and love. Our tree this year got a few new ornaments, my new favorite ornaments!

This year we had lots Christmas celebrations this year. The first being on Friday night.

We celebrated at Grammy's house, is her tree not adorable? I was in awe too, just like Caroline. Here is Grammy with Carter and Caroline a few weeks ago.
And this is Granny with baby Carter. She watches Carter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are very lucky!
Of course we all were spoiled, Caroline received a guitar and a bike as her big gifts.
She put on a new vest she received and rushed outdoors to try out her new ride.
Maddy and Carter got their fair share of gifts as well.
We celebrated with Justin's dad Saturday morning with a brunch at my house.
Christmas Eve we went to church where Caroline was a part the live nativity. She chose to be a lamb, and a soon as the camera panned her way she made a funny face. I couldn't help but laugh and was completely caught off guard by her doing that. She is usually shy when it comes to big crowds and unknown people. Not this night.

After church we went to my mom's house. There were lots of people and tons of food, a great combination.







After that we rushed home and got the kids in bed so Santa could come.
Santa didn't bring much to Carter, he really doesn't need anything. Caroline had asked for toys for Carter from Santa, so we decided to pull out some of Caroline's old toys that we were sure she never remembered playing with. Well guess what, she remembered and asked why Santa brought her old toys. Oops!
Caroline got a few small things and a big new kitchen.
She has been so busy with all her new toys since Christmas!
Carter resting in the Mamaroo Christmas morning. Mike, Justin's dad, got us the new Mamaroo and Carter loves it.
Caroline playing Christmas morning.
All of my family and Justin's immediate family came over Christmas morning to watch the kids with their Santa gifts. We made breakfast and ate together as a family. I hope Christmas breakfast becomes a new tradition, we really enjoyed that time together.
Miss Maddy, my niece, Christmas morning.

Christmas afternoon we went out to Frisco to celebrate with Justin's mom's extended family.
Caroline loves playing with her cousins!
Finally, we wrapped up the celebrations Christmas night at my parents' house to open gifts. Once again we all got way too much, and Caroline wasn't shy about trying out her new stuff.
Christmas around our house was wonderful, but I couldn't help but think of all those with heavy hearts this Christmas. I know the holidays can be hard for many, and I pray peace and joy will soon fill their lives again.