This was such a fun Christmas this year. It was a little calmer than usual. Now, this may sound a little busy and crazy to some; but when you are lucky enough to live in the same city as both parents, holidays can be a little tricky. This year was so nice; we actually had some down time at home with the kids and were still able to see all the family we wanted (except for a few unlucky ones with the flu...)
We had Christmas Eve dinner at my parents house which was so much fun! Marc had to work until 7ish that night so it was nice to spend the evening with my family. Christmas morning Mom, Dad, and Ashley came over to see us open presents then we hurried to my parents' place to talk to my brother Justin who is serving a mission in Slovakia. It was so great to talk to him! He comes home in April so we are getting excited! After our talk we headed home to break in the Wii Santa brought. Marc's parents came over in the afternoon to visit and see what we got. Then we went to their house for a lovely dinner with the whole gang and had another great phone call from Marc's brother Roland who is serving a mission in Texas! He will be home in May!
I must say, Christmas as a mommy is a whole different ball game than I ever imagined. It is such a trick to get everyone something special, keep everyone focused on Christ, and not spend too much! Oh, but is it ever worth it! I look at these pictures and just love the joy on their faces. Their favorite things aren't even the ones that cost the most. Marc gave Grace and Jill their own little treasure chest (from Tai Pan) filled with chocolate coins (Sees) and taped a paper to the lid that was "Good for one girl to go to Pirate Island Pizza with her Dad"...Jill snuck away and ate ALL of the chocolate and then told Grace she had to share hers because hers was empty...
It gives me a whole new appreciation for my parents (ok really my mom because anyone who knows my dad knows he doesn't shop) and all the planning and secret keeping that went on during my childhood to make Christmas magical. So thanks Mom and Dad; not only for that but for always teaching us about Christ and His birth so that I know of Him and can now pass that knowledge on to my children. I know Marc feels the same way Gary and Betty!
Hope you all had as Merry of a CHRISTmas as we did!!
Love, The Browns
So there was no way I could put all the pictures I wanted on here so here are some slide shows of the rest for you! Enjoy!!
