After hosting 70 people at our house the weekend before Christmas, throwing a dinner party for our 10 family members felt like a cinch! It was great having Christmas Eve on a Saturday because it allowed us to prep some in the morning, run a few last minute errands and then chill out at home before the fun began. Eric bought a new dancing game for the wii, so as soon as everyone came over we munched on appetizers and laughed at each other's moves. Jessica let us open her Christmas present to us early, which was another dancing game (Just Dance) which was much better and I have to say, hilarious! That game makes everyone look good dancing (I'm sure the wine helped, too!). The kids enjoyed playing, especially Anderson who insisted on it being his turn, every turn. I was "busy" cooking so luckily no one was subjected to my moves, but I am looking forward to playing the game in private when there's no one around to laugh at me :)
Dinner was fun and everyone looked fabulous in their crowns from the holiday crackers I bought. I love those things! They are one of my favorite traditions we had growing up- makes the mood even more festive. The kids did a good job eating (have I mentioned Anderson seems to have turned a corner and is a MUCH better eater all of a sudden? Halleluja!) and had fun drinking the sparkling grape juice that Auntie Sarah brought over. I only had one fancy plastic cup, and Emery was very upset that I gave it to Amelia (it's usually her cup when she comes over but for some reason Emery just now realized it was very different from hers!) In order to avoid a major meltdown, I let her drink her "champagne" out of a pink martini glass that we have. She looked so chic :)
When dinner was over we skyped with family in St. Louis and then it was time for the kiddos to open their first Christmas present. Every year I buy the three of them matching PJ's, and I have to say that this year's jammies were the cutest by far. A&E were little elves and Amelia, who prefers nightgowns, got a Mrs. Claus dress. After the obligatory photos the kids sang a hilarious version of Rudolph for us and then it was time for Uncle Jason to read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." We put out cookies and letters for Santa, reindeer food for the reindeer and then sent those babies to bed! Anderson didn't fall asleep right away so Eric went up to snuggle with him. When they laid down, Anderson asked him, "Did you see Santa?" Eric replied "No, Santa only comes once you're asleep, so you should go to bed." "You too," Anderson said. Eric says it was the cutest thing ever- it was moments like that which made this year the best Christmas yet!
The kids woke up at about 7 on Christmas morning, and unfortunately Anderson's diaper leaked, soiling his new PJ's! This happened to me their first Christmas, too! This year I decided to just quickly wash the jammies in the sink and then pop them in the dryer (I spent enough money making sure they had matching pajamas so I could get some adorable pictures- so I was determined to make sure I got what I wanted! :) ) The kids were content playing in our room while we waited for the dryer, and pretty soon we were ready to go downstairs. I made the kids sit at the top of the stairs so I could take their picture, but they were almost too excited to sit still! Once Anderson saw his Mickey Mouse doll ("I see Mickey!") it was all over! We let them down the stairs and both ran over to their stuffed animals and gave them big hugs. We opened stockings first and then Santa's presents. Anderson got a green truck and Emery got a Barbie Doll (I'll tell the story behind that another day!). Around this time the Falcaos came over and the present frenzy really began! We had a lot of adorable moments while they were opening their gifts and of course after each one they wanted to open it and play. It took them a little while, but once they got into it I think they realized they LOVED getting presents!
When all the presents were opened we all packed up and went to Sarah's house for our traditional stocking stuffer exchange. Each person buys everyone else a $3-5 stocking stuffer, so it's great because you get really useful things. This year I got chapstick, head bands, mixing spoons and chocolate. It was awesome! We ate a yummy breakfast of lox and bagels and our family's traditional Kifle (thank you Sarah for making that pastry so I don't have to learn!) and then parted ways until dinner.
When we got home from Sarah's we all got dressed and took some cookies over to a nursing home nearby. I was really worried about how the kids would do- with toddlers they could be super sweet or cranky. You just never know! Luckily both kids were so sweet and kind, especially our best boy who hugged just about every person in there. It was really nice to do something to show the kids that it isn't all about receiving gifts. It will definitely be a new tradition for our family- it made me so proud to be their mom!
After a nice nap for the kids and some downtime for us we headed over to Eric's parents house for dinner. On our way there was the most beautiful sunset that the kids kept pointing at and asking to see more of. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they notice things like that. It was a perfect moment.
Dinner was fabulous and we talked and laughed late into the evening. I am so glad that our "Texas Ten" is like one big family- it's nice celebrating all together.
It was a wonderful day- couldn't have asked for anything more except for it to have lasted longer :) The kids are at such a fun age- just old enough to have some independence that allows us to enjoy some adult time while they run around and play, and just young enough where they still need cuddles and special mommy/daddy time. I can't wait for next year- I'm sure it just gets better!
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We got to experience "Christmas 2.0" when my parents came into town a few days later :) We enjoyed a big Indian food feast at our house and then the kids opened their presents. We are definitely going to have to do some work in the playroom- these kids got so many new toys this Christmas!
My parents were nice enough to babysit on New Years Eve so we were able to celebrate with some friends that live up the street. We had a fabulous time playing Mexican Dominos and drinking margaritas and rang in the new year around their outdoor fire pit.
Before we knew it, my parents were gone, the decorations were put away and the holidays were over! It's a bit sad because my favorite time of the year is from Halloween to New Year's, but I guess I could pretend and say I have my 30th birthday to look forward to in a month :)
1 comments:
So much fun!! Love you guys, Mom and Dad
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