Christmas Joy

Christmas isn't over yet. At least that's what i'm saying to the girls and myself. We still have a get together on the 1st of January, and it's not over til it's over dangit. 

Our Christmas was magical. Filled with two sweet girls who bring so much joy and cheer to the already exciting events. And I know, I know, I say it all the time - but if you think that Christmas is at its peak when you're 8 and you get your favorite American Girl doll, you're so wrong. Watching your own babies experience the joy is even better.

Eva's first Christmas was perfect. And kinda like whipped cream on an already perfect sundae, Christmas morning she clear as a bell said "dada". Joey is still boasting.

Emma's new furry best friend: Grandma Able's puppy Jack. She was obsessed, and that is such an understatement.

Emma got to visit Grandma Able's North Pole. It was complete with an area to make reindeer food, decorate cookies for Santa, and warnings of reindeer taking flight.

Santa stopped by for a visit and my daughter, who was scared of him just weeks prior, couldn't have been more excited. She stood and answered his questions, plopped right down on his lap, and was so stinking cute that I still smile when I think about it. 

There was lots of family time, and despite the lack of sleep and go go go that the holidays always deliver, the girls were so happy.

Christmas Eve night, with a wide-eyed, fast talking 3 year old, we sprinkled the reindeer food in the yard. We also set out cookies and milk for Santa, and Emma insisted we set aside a few carrots for Comet (we left a note so Santa knew to share).

On Christmas morning I was still in bed and could hear Joey yelling "Ho, Ho, Ho" in an attempt to wake us all up. Emma and Joey had slept right in front of the Christmas tree waiting for Santa, and Santa was able to sneak in un-announced.

Eva, in paper heaven. 

On Christmas Day we went to Great Grandma Kay's and my Dad's. 

Then on Monday we had Christmas with Grandma Jodie and Papa Mark.

Of course the girls loved their gifts, but I think all the fun is in searching for Rudolph's nose in the sky, being with family, and bidding farewell to our little Elf friend. 'Til next year, Patrick.

Feeling very blessed.

Merry, Merry Christmas.

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzed 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, he thought, means a little bit more."  Dr. Suess