My Mom's Beautiful Christmas Tree
We left EB after opening presents and headed to my parents house. Usually we make it in time for me to help make the chicken pie and bake my Nannie's cookie's. This year, that didn't happen. I was upset but I am learning that some things just won't work with 2 of my own small kids in tow!
My Mom and Dad had most of the food ready and Mom had the house beautifully decorated and ready for family to arrive.
Uncle Alfred, Owen and Rachel
His hat was a BIG hit with the kids...it played music and danced. It was really cute....the first 10 times, after that, we were wondering what he was thinking! I didn't do a good job with pictures this year. I love for Payton and Owen to spend time with all of their cousins. Although we don't see them nearly as much as Chad and I saw our cousins growing up, they already have a special bond. They were all happy to see Owen and play with Payton. Payton loves the big boys - and Connor might be his favorite!
We enjoyed dinner - my favorite dinner of the year - Chicken Pie, slaw, rolls, etc (the rest is just extra). Opened presents. We draw names to exchange gifts just between the kids which works out just perfectly. We rushed out the door to the Christmas Eve service. It is normally my favorite church service of the year - again, another item that has changed with baby # 2 - while in church for 1 hour, Owen managed to break my necklace, I lost (but found) my very special cross charm, had to get up and leave the service due to screaming, and couldn't leave my candle burning - but, we made it and stood singing Silent Night at the end with (everyone else's) candles burning bright!
After the Christmas Eve service we returned to my parents for dessert, Christmas PJs, pictures and hit the road again.
Uncle James reading 'Twas the Night before Christmas to Payton.
Payton
2 1/2 years
Christmas Eve 2010
Christmas PJ's...thanks Grandma...and our traditional Christmas Eve picture in front of the tree.
Owen
6 months
Christmas Eve 2010
Once in their PJs, the kids were loaded up once again and we hit the road again...back to EB for Christmas morning celebrations.
Our yearly tradition is to ready 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on our way back to EB. The book was read, the lights were out and the kids were asleep as our sleigh took us safely back to Chad's parents.
This period - between leaving one house, reading our book, and the kids falling asleep - is amazingly enough one of my favorite parts of the holidays - most people have no concept of our holidays - but this, this little period of quiet family time (on the road none-the-less), is so nice! We have a few minutes to reflect and to talk with Payton about what is yet to come! Next year Owen will join in on "reading" the book and looking for Santa too! Our chaotic holiday routine leaves very little family time for the four of us...I guess I better value it when I get it...so, I do...and every year until we either change this trip or Payton quits riding with us (whichever comes 1st) I will look forward to turning on the car light, looking back and reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
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