Christmas Happenings 2013

So hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. Thankfully we can hold on to the spirit of Christmas a little longer since we have my family Christmas yet this weekend. Here is a little look into our Christmas fun we’ve had so far.

We continued the tradition of spending Christmas eve and Christmas day around home. Sevea was the only kid who understood what was going on. Even still we heard more times than we cared for, “Is it time to open presents yet?” Troy was nice enough and let us all open our yearly ornament gift a little early.

Troy did really good at picking out memorable ornaments this year. Sevea with her Doc McStuffins since she wanted to be Doc McStuffins when she started preschool. Cohen and his Lightning McQueen because he LOVES all things McQueen. Brynna’s was a cube with her birth stats on it. Mine was three frogs stacked on top of each other representing my three little froggies that I am blessed to call mine.

Later that evening we dined on Troy’s prime rib along with twice baked potatoes, popovers with honey butter, and seven layer salad. Although this meal was delicious we’ve decided to switch up the tradition and make this meal on Christmas Day. Just too much going on Christmas eve since the kids (Sevea) couldn’t wait to open their presents.

Brynna had no clue what was going on and even though it was past her bedtime she was a trooper and opened up her gifts (with Sevea’s help) before crashing for the night.

I was excited to see how much Cohen would get into opening the gifts since last year he wasn’t real interested (at 1 year and 4 months). Both kids opened camping chairs first which provided a very convenient spot to sit to open the rest.

After opening the next gift which was a guitar Cohen had only interest in playing with it. Finally he got what was going on and decided to continue opening the rest. I guess I can’t hate that he wasn’t being greedy.

Sevea loved everything she got and in true Sevea fashion was thankful for even the clothes. So nice to hear “I wanted this, I really wanted this” even though you didn’t know that until then. She’s always good about being thankful for anything she receives.

Even though it was past their bedtime we made time to play a little with the stuff they got. It was fun watching Sevea practice cheerleading (which she is starting a class at the end of January). Cohen made the cutest not-scary monster ever.

Before they were tucked in for the night, we had a very important task to complete first.

We left out some cookies for Santa, a glass of water, a picture Sevea colored, and his wrapping paper that he forgot at our house from last year. Sevea was very concerned that he wouldn’t remember his wrapping paper again. Mom and Dad made sure he took it!

Santa didn’t forget to stop at the Appeldorn house.

Santa stuffed as much as he could into their stockings and made sure to get them (Sevea) what they asked for.

After opening presents it was time for Christmas breakfast. We headed on over to the Zimmer’s house to feast on homemade donuts, tator rounds, and omelets. Sevea did a great job helping with the donuts. It is so nice to include the kids in helping when we can. And a new tradition this year: mimosas. Carissa and I were totally on board for this tradition. After all shouldn’t all new moms be treated to something as delicious as champagne and orange juice…in moderation of course!

After naps the kids opened a couple more gifts and we ended the night with last minute guests, the Rotell’s. One more reason we felt extra blessed this holiday season. We feel pretty lucky to have friends who we care for just like family.

What a blessed and fun holiday we had. We hope yours was just as great!