Christmas!

It was a year of starting new traditions. We made the decision a while ago, that at least for the next few years, we're going to stay home at Christmas, rather than try to schlep the kids around the busy country and spend way too much on plane tickets. It was time to start our own family traditions. We definitely felt the impact of not being near our extended families--missed both sides terribly. However, we couldn't have enjoyed these two as much had we been away. These moments are already slipping by so fast.

This year, we're in a rental--didn't even move until December 4th--so we decided on purpose not to get insanely crazy with the decorating. The kids loved the lights and packages, though I'd say the highlight was all of the tissue and wrapping paper they were free to eat. :0) I'd swear, you'd think they were goats or something. Grace fell backwards once, and fell under the tree, and for the first time ever--didn't even cry. So impressed was she by the balls and lights above, she simply stared.

So, we went to church on Christmas Eve, where Liam and Grace put Jesus in the manger in the nativity. On Christmas morning, we opened presents, then our friends "Auntie" Kathryn and "Uncle" David came over for breakfast. After that, we spent the day as a family in our pajamas, just enjoying each other. Such a nice, refreshing change of pace from the last few months. We followed up the day with dinner: Filet Mignon with a Sherried Mustard Sauce, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roadside Potatoes, and we had a chocolate torte set aside for dessert, but never made it there. I believe the kids had turkey and sweet potatoes.

The favorite gifts of the day were Sean's new guitar, Angie's new 14-cup Elite Cuisinart Food Processor, Liam's blocks and Grace's shakey-shakey ball.

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