Christmas Card

very Happy Christmas day

Christmas Eve:

 Christmas Eve evening we went to Westminster and Alice the Angel and Sawyer the Cow joined the not-so-silent-night celebration of Jesus' birthday. Sawyer "grazed" a little during the story but no one was bothered and Alice enjoyed the heavenly host. The Kriese family joined us afterwards at our house for cookies and brightened our night with their company.

 

Christmas Day: 

Christmas Day was even better than I hoped. Alice and I woke up earlier than the boys, got ready, made Monkey Bread and Apple Cranberry Bake then woke up Mark and Sawyer about 8:30am. Mark mandated we wear pajamas even though the girls wanted "day clothes". It was such a delight to open a toy and then play with it, unrushed to open the next toy or let someone else have a turn. The kids are at an age to really enjoy their new toys: Magformers building toys, "Alice" rag doll, monster trucks with light-up wheels, Crayola art easel, remote-control bus, and more. Mark and the rest of us giggled at his new "Uncle Si" Duck Dynasty slippers with matching camo pj pants. I'm glad to leave behind my "dumb phone" with an exciting new smartphone, yeah!

 

We had comfortably eaten, played and decided to go to Christmas Day church in Old Town Mt Pleasant. The folks in our area were so impressed with the carols Alice knew so well. I was grateful for the magnetic dress-up princesses to keep her quiet :). Mark had always wanted to go to the beach on Christmas so we went to Sullivan's Island at lunch time. The sun came out as we were leaving and made the weather and walk so nice. We had a few hours back at home to rest and play before my parents arrived for dinner. I went to bed thinking that this was my favorite Christmas in our marriage. We didn't feel hurried or torn about where to be and I enjoyed it all!

 

 

 



Preschool Christmas Celebration

Mama, stable, Christmas tree with ornaments & star

 

O Christmas Tree

Mark and I had a cedar tree our first Christmas in our first house in Decatur, GA only because it was in a bad spot in our yard so we cut it down in December. It was a nice tree, my first real tree, but I'd almost forgotten about it until this year.

 

This year Mark was so excited to buy a real tree, decorate, and enjoy a much longer stay in our home over the holidays since we don't have to travel as far to see family. I saw a good deal on trees at Costco and had them toss one in the minivan after a visit to the ENT. Easy, stress-free, 8 foot tree DONE. Mark was mortified that I didn't have them unwrap the tree, inspect for fullness, needle-drop, etc. I did not know that was necessary! Mark's mom made the ordeal a much longer, involved family affair going from lot to lot for the perfect shape and size. We're pleased with the outcome and Mark was amazed by the process.

 

Alice and Sawyer LOVE to decorate. Anything "fancy" is a favorite for Alice. Sawyer likes the ridged balls he calls "pumpkins". I love the Austrian felt and straw ornaments I got the Christmas before we married while living in Schladming. Mark's made garlands and window swags. We're excited to celebrate our first Christmas morning in our own home, ever!

 

 

 

 

 

We had the added fun of decorating Mimi & Grandaddy's tree over Thanksgiving. Alice said it was, "The best fun ever!"