Christmas

Warning: This is majorly picture heavy! I just couldn't cut any out!

Christmas Eve is Grammy's birthday! So that just gives us another excuse to throw a big party!

So Grammy and Pop-pop came over early to open some gifts before the rest of the family arrived.  Just as the turkey was coming out of the oven the house kept getting fuller and louder! Just the way we like it!

Julie couldn't wait for the party to start, she had to steal some of Memere's cranberry bread.

The cousins set up in the living room and had a great time. I think Andy was the only one that actually ate any dinner. But aren't they adorable!?

Sadie slept the whole time.  She loves the loud hustle and bustle.  Here she is asleep with Arlene and Memere.

And Arlene and Jordan.  I love when my cousins come over!!

A small part of the meal. It wrapped around to the other counter too.  Luckily it was a pot luck, so it wasn't too much work for me, but there was so much food!!!

I could not believe what a beautiful day it was outside. We were outside until the sun went down.  It was such a warm sunny day!

Me and my Geek.

Cousin Lauren got to open a few gifts too! She is so funny sticking out her tongue!

Sweet Sadie fast asleep. She really doesn't sleep all the time. Just when there are other people around apparently....

Look over there Uncle John!!!!!

Most of us gathered outside to sing Happy Birthday to Grammy! Not everyone was in the shot......told you it was a great party!

That is Julie's hand stealing a taste of cake. She also arranged the candles.

This is what I call a living room full of love. Seriously, I think this is what the holidays is all about.

The above picture was taken after a bunch of people went home. If you are curious where Sadie is during this picture, she is right by the fireplace, next to Audrey and Lauren, in her chair....fast asleep.

I think this is one of my new favorite shots.  Uncle Sean and Uncle Stephen tickling Julie in the back ground. Uncle Justin tickling Andy in the front. The laughing was contagious.

After the house was quiet, Julie helped Sadie play with a few of her new toys. (see, she woke up as soon as it was quiet)

Then it was one more BIG hug and off to bed in hopes that Santa would come soon!

And he did!

I am still super happy with how the stockings turned out.

The next morning John and I woke up before the kids. But we stayed in bed and when the kids woke, we could hear them in the bunk beds.

"Andy, Santa might have come!"
"Yeah! Let's go see!!"
"Yeah, yay! Let's get Mom and Dad!"
"Yeah!!!!"

It was adorable. We all ran down stairs and the kids were so happy. It was so much fun opening gifts that I didn't bother to take any pictures. But I did get a few shots when they were testing out their bikes.

Soon Memere came in her sled (or her California version of a sled) full of presents and the kids showed off their gifts while we waited for Uncle Justin, Aunt Audrey and Cousin Lauren to come. I didn't get too many shots here either, we were just having too much fun!

But I did get this shot of Lauren on her new rocking horse! I think she likes it!!

It turned out to be another beautiful day. Justin couldn't resist a little swinging.

Me with one of my greatest gifts.

Julie tested out her new horse hippity hop.

And the big kids ate lunch at their new kitchen table!! Thanks Memere, it's PERFECT!

Andy was super excited about his new engineer overalls. He is OBSESSED with trains right now. Anything and everything to do with trains.

Phew! Are you keeping up with us?? 

After a quick rest, we packed up and headed to a nice dinner at Grandma Hazels.  I forgot my camera, so I just got these few shots from my phone.

It was a pretty quiet evening, we all left full and sleepy!

So we went home and the kids went straight to bed. Andy was out before we left the room.

Julie didn't even make it into jammies, just slept in her clothes!

John and I packed up Christmas after the kids were in their beds. We were exhausted, but it always feels so good to wake up to a nice clean house. 

This one was awake when we got home. But I put her in her bed and I went to sleep. She did too, and didn't wake me up for another 6 hours. Such a good girl.

And she was a super happy camper this morning too!  She joined me and Christina on our day after Christmas trip to Target. 

This was also this morning, but I just couldn't resist showing off how much Julie loves her sister and what a big girl she has become.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  We all received every gift we could have asked for an more. We were surrounded by all the family that supports and loves us all throughout the year.