On Saturday the 21st we had Christmas number one at our house with the Jolleys and Grandma Susan and Grandpa Brian. Before our guest arrived we got out for some play. Here is Phoenix climbing the pole. I love how much of a monkey she is.
Rubix was not as happy. It was very windy outside and he was a bit cold. Our saving grace was that our local fire department was doing training with their tanker trunk. Rubix and I got to see them empty and fill the tank with water. I actually recognized one of the fire men who came to our house when we thought we had a gas leak.
After yummy chicken enchiladas we all sat down for some opening of presents. I was surprised at how many gifts there were, but then again there were quite a few people.
After the presents it was time to decorate and eat Christmas sugar cookies.
Although I had to work on Monday and Tuesday, Christmas Eve, I was able to get off of work early to make it to the 3:30pm service. Here are the kids before the service.
Our annual picture of me and the kids for Great Grandma Connie.
The kids in the Christmas pj's thanks to Grandma Susan!
Daddy and the kiddos!
Us trying to do a selfie....total fail!
The kiddos and I with our pajamas.
Christmas morning the kids slept in until 8:30am! We were blessed to have the Wordens join us for church and dinner. The kids had a blast playing with Zoe and Jade. They watched the Grinch for the one and only time (a record in our house for those who know how many times the kids typically watch the Grinch). I was able to get up at 7:30 am and prepare the pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie oatmeal and frost the pumpkin scones. I finished all of the preparations right before everyone woke up which was awesome that I got to sleep in and get everything done in peace. I find it very funny at how the kids have always done a great job of sleeping in and not waking from excitement.
We did our usual tradition of opening our stockings while enjoying our pumpkin drinks. Afterwards we ate our oatmeal.
Once our oatmeal was finished it was on to the main event. Here is Phoenix enjoying her new soccer goals
Rubix received more race tracks. Axel received a very cool Shinkalion transformer train set from Japan that he wanted.
The kids were really great about patiently waiting for each person to open a gift. They also did a great job of opening all of their gifts before playing with them. Phoenix was a little disappointed in the number of gifts and very much noticed she received one gift from us and one gift from Santa. Luckily, she is slowly maturing and didn't put up too much of a fuss.
She was very sweet and made gifts and cards for everyone. Here is a great card that she made Keith and I. Axel and Phoenix purchased their first gift for us. Apparently, they had planned this for sometime. Axel kept asking me when I was going to Trader Joe's. They came with and then realized they didn't bring any money. I happily gave them a 20 dollar bill and told them to stick together. I also gave them a bag to put their gift in. They were extremely excited to shop, wait in line and purchase the gift for us independently. I am not too excited about the big tin of cookies that we now have to eat, but it was the thought that counts!
Little Grammy is so good about sending books to the kids. The kids love the books.
Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce are so good about sending clothes each year. The kids always need clothes so it is nice for them to receive clothes and books rather than toys.
Because we had guests on Christmas Eve we did not sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and enjoy the tirmasu like we usually do. Instead we had it after enjoying our ham sandwich left overs for lunch on Christmas Day. After lunch we surprised the kids with a trip to see Frozen II at the movie theaters. We all really enjoyed our day and ended it with good old grilled burgers and fries!
It was a lovely time enjoyed with friends and family. I am grateful to have the next couple of days off before the New Year. We are looking forward to some more family time. Keith and I have a date night which we really need as he has been sick for the past week and the rain has interfered with our weekly date rides.
We are gearing up for Phoenix's birthday party and sent out the evite today. I likely won't post another blog until after her birthday, which is January 21st. I have 2 months until my big test with lots of distractions so I am really cutting out any extras. Until next time, God Bless!
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