Christmas This Year

We had a lovely Christmas this year. Simple. And it turned out that was just what we needed. With the process of selling our home, we did not put up any Christmas decorations. However, on Christmas Eve, once the children were all "snug in their beds" Eric and I put up our tree and few other little items. Turns out that was a great surprise to them on Christmas morning! And it was really fun to do. 

Eleanor Jane received Bitty Twins this year by American Girl. I let her chose them online to ensure she would play with them. 

 Oh I love this little elf so! He was much more aware this year of all the happenings. 

 And super silly. This was taken right before we went to the candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve. 

 Snow globes were a hit. 

 And on Christmas morning we ate the best monkey bread ever. It was gone by end of day. 

 Opening stockings which were full of candy, sugar cereal, and a toothbrush of course. 

 On to opening gifts! Eric and I got each big boy a Lego Creator set. I am so proud that they can now put those together completely on their own. 

 And this toddler boy loves anything cars and trucks. 

 Brothers giving each other a thank you hug. We added a new tradition this year where each child buys a gift for each other (at the Dollar Store). And Hampton and Everett, of course, got each other. 

 Everett giving his gift to Hampton. Just for memories sake: Hampton got Ev a Lisa figure (from the Simpsons-they don't watch this show of course but know most of the characters). Hampton got Everett a glow in the dark zombie that grows in water. Eleanor got Thatcher a small truck. And Thatcher got Eleanor a puzzle. Hampton and Eleanor picked out Daddy's gift-Pepto Bismol. Ha! And Everett and Thatcher got me some chapstick. This was so fun to do! And it was really wonderful to teach the children about giving to others. They were proud of what they had selected. 

 "Lipsticks" from Mommy and Daddy.

 And the best part was later in the day playing with all the new gifts! We ended the day with spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and a Christmas show.