Christmas in the Manger

I went a little crazy and got a bunch of Christmas books this year. As a child, I remember being so excited as my parents unpacked our Christmas books from the Christmas storage boxes. I loved reading those books every year! I want my kids to feel the same way. I want them to look forward to reading these special Christmas books each Christmas.

Every day, since the day after Thanksgiving, I read Arden Christmas books. She became so familiar with them that she knew the stories...knew the words. One day, we were reading Christmas in the Manger, and I realized she could finish each rhyming line. I showed this talent off to the grandparents when they came over. They loved it!

I realized I needed to record it for cuteness' sake...plus, I figured she'd like to watch herself in the future. I waited a little long to do the recording...it was probably a week after Christmas, and we hadn't read the book in awhile. She was a little rusty. Ah well...still cute.

Enjoy!

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas! There wasn't too much house-hopping this year. We enjoyed a little family time in the early morning. Adam's family came to us later in the morning, and we went to my dad's house in the afternoon. In the evening, my mom came to our house. Oh how wonderful it is to have a home with so much room!

Did I mention we had a WHITE Christmas, too?! It was a Christmas miracle! The snow started around 10 or 11 a.m. and continued throughout the day. We had several inches when all was said and done. Crazy!

It was nice to celebrate the boys' first Christmas. Unfortunately, all the kids were sick. Arden woke up very unhappy. She seemed better after breakfast. Once she opened her stocking and Adam's family came over, she was so happy! Let me just say this little munchkin girl is now a pro gift-opener.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Our Advent Calendar! When I first put it out, Arden was all over it...I found little people everywhere. She soon got used to the idea and left it alone. Then Bryce came over and took all the little people off...haha

Now that's how you open a stocking!

She's very excited about her Hello Kitty notepad!

It's so nice to have a real fireplace.

Feeding the monkey a treat.

Pig tails!

We were so glad Adam's family came to us this year...not that they had to travel far! It's great to have a house where everyone fits.

Hanging up an ornament that Mary Bernice made.

Arden with her "ios!"

This was before Arden became a pro at opening her gifts. You can see Adam's impatience...haha

Jason sent his dad and brothers on a scavenger hunt for their gifts. I'm sure they had fun, but it was a bit time consuming...and us women-folk were annoyed by it. This was the end result..haha

Hanging out with baby Caylee.

And so the snow begins!

Arden got her daddy-made blanket for Christmas! He started this thing before she was born. Life is busy with kids!

Arden as Cindy Lou Who!

We headed over to my dad's after the boys' naps. Unfortunately, we didn't see much of Mayeth. She was in the kitchen preparing a large feast for her friends.

Chris and Jasmine!

Arden discovered a new love this year: snowmen!

Arden got the hang of opening presents and decided every present was for her.

Meredith!

Since I'm usually the one behind the camera, I snapped this pic of myself. Love the brioche...it's from Sabrina!

Catie!

We were supposed to head over to my mom's for one last gift exchange, but she suggested we just head home because of all the snow. She met us there and brought cake and ice cream. Yum! She also brought the kids' gift: an awesome wagon.

We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! We certainly did.

Merry Christmas!

I figured I needed to get this post in before the new year.

We went to Greensboro and Charlotte for Christmas. We love spending time with our families, but it can certainly be exhausting! I really need to see that movie "Four Christmases"...

Adam made this stocking for me when we first got married. Arden fits perfectly!

Christmas Eve was "Becky's Christmas." She's my mom's sister. She put various makeup items on her Christmas list, so I got her this ridiculous makeup kit. Hehe!

A few pics of Jasmine. I still haven't gotten one of her with Arden. She refuses to pose!

Merry Christmas, Bryce!

Arden's gift from Adam and me...a take along swing...handy for long trips!

Arden's gift from my mom...a neato floor gym!

In the car on the way home.

Merry Christmas!

I was really trying to get this posted before the New Year, but oh well!

As you can see from the pics and videos below, we had lots of fun this Christmas! We were able to spend time with all of our family. Jason and Sabrina came back into town and left on Christmas Day. We also saw Amy and Mark's family on Keaton's birthday. Catie came home, too, but had to leave on Christmas night. We were so glad we could see everyone!

The Thursday before Christmas, we made goodies. I made triple chocolate fudge with toffee bits, peanut butter cracker sandwiches covered in white chocolate, and Adam made sugar cookies. Friday we delivered some of the homemade treats to people. Saturday was Keaton's 10th birthday. He went to see National Treasure, but Adam and I couldn't make it. We were able to hang out with him after the movie, though. Sunday night we drove around looking at Christmas lights. Monday was Christmas Eve, a.k.a. Becky's Christmas. We went to my mom's and had a lovely dinner. Becky opened her gifts from us, and we watched "Claymation Christmas" and "Elf." Afterwards, we headed over to the Lewises' and watched "A Christmas Story." Christmas Day was busy, as usual. We ended up staying at my dad's until 2 p.m....two hours later than anticipated. Jasmine played Santa's Little Helper. We then headed over to my mom's and watched "The Nativity Story." We didn't get to Adam's parents' until 6 p.m. No one was there except his parents. Jonathan left with Jason and Sabrina; and Amy, Mark and the kids left earlier, too. It was after 9:30 p.m. by the time we got back home. Catie was pulling out of the garage as we approached the house. I was very glad I hadn't missed her. I imagine it'll be awhile until I see her again.

Anywho, we had a very nice Christmas and hope you did, too! Enjoy the pics and videos!