My sister, Janie took our family pictures on November 29 and Rick got bust right away designing and ordering the cards. We did a postcard style this year and it was so easy. No more stuffing or licking envelopes!
We were also able to score the kiddos' Santa gifts on Thanksgiving Day and did the rest of the shopping little by little, which took some of the stress of that away for the season. I tried to wrap gifts as we purchased them, so that didn't get overwhelming and it worked! We only had to wrap PJs on Christmas Eve!
We hosted the Annual Parker Family Christmas Eve Brunch again this year. A few of our friends' families came as well as my sister, Janie and her family and my aunt Barb. We may open it up to even more friends next year since not as many family member attend. The grandkiddos were able to be there as well, which is always nice. Cody was also able to come home from NC.
After the CE get together we went to our church's candlelight service. It was really nice to take a moment and refocus on the reason for the season. We opened PJs, left out milk and cookies for Santa and then headed to bed.
The kiddos let us sleep in until 8 AM on Christmas Day. We opened stockings, had a scavenger hunt to find the Santa gifts and then had some scrumptious cinnamon roll casserole for breakfast.
It was just a nice relaxing day.
We rang in the new year with the Duques. We just had munchies and played games. Again, very low key, but really nice to be able to laugh and enjoy the company of good friends.
Today, it's been mostly about laundry and getting back on schedule after 12 days off of school/work. I also went to have coffee with Holly during her layover at BWI. It was nice to catch up and keep her company.
Looking forward to 2014 and still trying to decide on my word for the year.
Our first 2nd Thanksgiving* in the newly remodeled dining room
All bundled up and cute - Kiyah Rayne (1)
Putting up the tree.....
Freddie the Elf is back!
Santa on a firetruck visiting the neighborhood kiddos
"Here, MoMo! It's Claus!"
Kaysen Jace (3)
Stockings!!
Opening gifts from Papa and Nana, the Howells and the Hall family
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle!
Opening gifts from Daddy
Opening gifts from Grammie and Poppy
Noah (9) and Gabe on Christmas Eve
Kari (11) and Arcelia on Christmas Eve
Opening Christmas Eve PJs
Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Christmas Morning
Cody (18) opening his stocking
Cinnamon roll casserole
My parents' Santa
Ready to get his party on for NYE
Here is the scavenger hunt video from Christmas Day. The kiddos really enjoyed it. Santa may have to do one again next year!
1 comment:
Thanks for including us in your festivities this year. We will have you over soon. I promise.
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