Christmas, A Little Late

Christmas is long gone and I'm ready to run full tilt into 2012. But I couldn't let 2011 go without posting some sort of Christmas recap for the kids to see in years to come. We spent the holiday in North Carolina and Florida with both of the kids' grandparents and really enjoyed ourselves. We didn't do anything monumental or special, which is exactly the way I like it on Christmas. Lots of relaxing and spending time with those that we love.

We started things early when we headed down to Charlotte a few days before Christmas to visit with Marmee and Bogey. We got to meet their elf, Sandy, who conveniently had a whole fistful of lollipops for the kids to devour. Then we enjoyed stockings and exchanging gifts together.

We spent Christmas Eve and morning at home with our family of six. It was nice to be able to continue some of the traditions that we have started with our family for this time of year. We went to Christmas Eve service, baked cookies for Santa, had our annual Christmas Eve dinner of "make your own pizza", read our Christmas books, and put out our reindeer for for Rudolph and Co.

Then Santa came and we celebrated Jesus' birthday! This was the first year that the kids really REALLY understood both Santa and the real reason for Christmas. It was so much fun to watch them take everything in and really understand everything.

We spent Christmas morning opening presents and enjoying a yummy breakfast. Santa hid all of the kids' presents in their special Santa sacks that Mimi made for us this year. These sacks are large enough to fit the entire continent of Asia inside, so it was hilarious watching the kids try and find their gifts in the mounds of fabric that made up their sacks.

Then we packed up and it was off to Charlotte and Mimi's house for Christmas afternoon. We enjoyed spending time there, seeing Aunt Meghann, Uncle John, and baby Graham, and eating a yummy turkey dinner.

Then, staying true to our crazy ways, we set out for Florida early Christmas evening. It makes for a long day, but an easier drive for us parents since the kids are so tired they sleep most of the way. Luke fell asleep as we were pulling out of Charlotte at 6pm and he didn't wake up again until 7:30 the next morning! It's safe to say that they were pretty tired out.

We loved spending a week in Florida with my side of the family. We had great weather, spent time with family, and even fit in a trip to the beach. It's nice to have some good, home cooked meals where neither Matt nor I have to lift a finger! The kids loved seeing their cousin Brantley and spent a lot of time outside in the warm weather.

As you an tell, the Stomp Rocket was the hit of Christmas in Florida.

And now, we're back! Luckily we have a day to recover before work and school and schedules start up again. Christmas was fun, but I'm ready for the new year to start! We've got some changes planned for our family this year, so stay tuned! Hope you and you family enjoyed a relaxing and family filled holiday as well!