An annual Christmas Eve tradition: Christmas Eve service at mom and dad's church - Grace Community Methodist Church. They always do a special story at the altar where the kids come down and hear from the pastor, face to face. Kennedy loves this part. I can tell that she feels special that she's invited to the front - no adults allowed.
Brady, my sweet rambunctious boy, lasted all of 10 minutes in the service before Chris quietly slipped out the back and took him to the nursery. He was much happier there, and the folks on the rows in front and behind us appreciated it as well, I'm sure. Lauren was as quiet as she could be, although she frequently switched laps until she got comfy with her mama.
After a yummy crawfish etouffe dinner at my parents' house, we packed up and headed home to get ready for Santa's visit. Kennedy had been running fever all day and didn't feel well (turned out she had the H1N1 flu - more on that later). So both kids passed out fast asleep in the car on the way home.
We successfully transferred both kids to their beds when we got to the house, but Kennedy - in a groggy, fever-induced tone - came out of her room and said, "Mooooooommy, I hadn't put out the cookiesssss and millllk for Santaaaa. Can I pleeeeease do that befffffffore bed?" Poor little angel was so sleepy. So we quickly poured the milk........
And placed the home-made sugar cookies that we had baked and decorated at Nina and Papa's house on the plate. There, perfect. Milk and cookies for the big guy. OH wait! Don't forget the reindeer food! That went on the front porch for the hungry little deer, especially Rudolf.
Then, back in bed... close our little eyes... and Santa would be here before we knew it. Good night!
LOOK AT ALL THE PRESENTS!! As Kennedy pointed out the next morning, "Mommy! SANTA CAME! LOOK at everything he BROUGHT us!!" As you can tell, Brady had no interest in a picture-taking session. It was time to rip into the goodies.
So off we went.... tissue paper flying, wrapping paper ripping, stockings opened. It was an amazing Christmas for everyone. Kennedy got rollerskates, Barbie clothes, non-uniform clothes for her to wear around town and to play, books (LOTS of books), games, and socks/mittens/candy in her stocking. AND - the best present of all - a Wii! My child LOVES that video game. And she's very good!
Brady's discovery of his Christmas goodies was hysterical! We buried his little giraffe bike and MASSIVE bag of leggos in the back of the tree behind some wrapped gifts. Once we started peeling away each layer of presents, he caught a glimpse of a yellow object with a bow on it. I think he might have stepped on a few gifts to get to it. As you can see, he LOVED the new ride.
Christmas morning with our kids was fantastic - honestly, my favorite yet. I'm not sure if it's because I feel very settled in our home... or if it's because Brady is a little older and can actually open presents... or if it's because it was a great year and we have so many blessings.
But the day was just beginnings. Chrismas, Part 3 - at Nina and Papa's house is next.
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