Holiday Recap: Christmas!

Finally we get to the big day! First up was Christmas Eve. Grandma and Popop came over and we went to the short children's service at 5. A few Christmas carols, some angels, shepards and wise men and we were done. Jason stay home with Eliza because Eliza had spent the night before throwing up. But that allowed him to get dinner ready (pancetta mac and cheese). Dinner was eaten, dessert enjoyed, cookies and carrots put out for Santa, and the kids tucked into bed. Grandma and Popop stayed the night so we could all wake up together and see what Santa Claus had brought. 

Dessert: Chocolate Pot de Creme with raspberries and whipped cream. YUM.

 Hayden was the first one up the next day and we let her go down to look at what Santa had brought. Popop and Dooley were down next and I could hear Hayden telling Popop all about what she had seen. Soon everyone was awake and excited to open some presents!

Hayden amidst the stockings on Christmas morning!

the tree, loaded with presents

a note from Peter, our elf on the shelf

Molly and Eliza check out Molly's Santa present - a ball popper!

this is great!

Blizz helps Eliza open her stocking presents

Molly all decked out in her stocking loot - new bib, new snack holder filled with goldfish

I unwrapped them all!

 After our traditional Christmas breakfast (eggs, bacon and shtolen), we dove into the presents under the tree. A few pics were taken but they hardly capture the glee of the morning. Smiles and shrieks as presents were opened. Thank you hugs for gift givers. Balled up wrapping paper arcing across the room to collecting bags. New presents being played with or put on immediately upon opening. It was great!

a big Christmas hug for daddy

playsilks? what do we do with these?

THIS is what you do with them!

You know it's a good Christmas if somebody gets naked.

Opening all those presents wore Blizzard out!

 Hayden seemed to have an especially great Christmas. She got lots of presents that were just perfect for her including a new scooter (even bought on a black friday deal!) and a hula hoop (yes, they still make those.) After present time, we headed outside to play.

trying hard to hula

zoom!

baby barbie came along to play outside

 After a quiet afternoon, we headed over to Grandma and Popop's for Christmas dinner. Dinner was tasty but the big hit was the cookie tray for dessert. Molly loved having it at her level! (It didn't end up staying there long.)

Molly had a little trouble figuring out which holiday it was.

more cookies please!

 

notice the cookie-filled cheeks!

for those in red dresses, eating cookies required standing on a stool

on the stool, holding a hammer. Merry Xmas to you!

Merry Christmas everyone!