We keep things really simple for Christmas; we want our kids to have a good time, but we want the focus to be on the Biblical reason we are celebrating! We have stressed that to them over and over. That does not mean that we skip presents, but it does mean that we don’t buy and buy and go into debt in the process. Some gifts were “needs”; others were bought from Craigslist; while others were just for fun because we know they would LOVE it!
The toothbrush was tickling his tongue and teeth… funny boy!
Opening some stockings from Grampa and Nanna!
Josiah was supposed to PRETEND to be eating his chocolate… but he ate the chocolate AND the foil wrapper!
Grace had a BIG surprise that she had made for Daddy…. she was SO EXCITED to have Daddy open it! His reaction is classic!
Josiah got Superman PJs and Hannah got Prince Charming and Cinderella!
Grace opened up a leotard for her next present. She was a little confused about getting what looked like a bathing suit, but we had a little explaining to do. She was getting this gift so she could go to gymnastics every week! Once she realized what we were talking about.. she got really excited…… we loved it!
Josiah loved his Superman pajamas with matching hat and mittens… he wore them the rest of the day! He is SO MUCH like his daddy!
Grace trying out her Skip it from Grampa and Nanna!
Josiah LOVED all of the Legos that we got for him….we got a WHOLE BUNCH on Craigslist for a GREAT price! Josiah was thrilled!
Hannah’s special gift was Cinderella’s horse and carriage. She immediately got it out of the packaging and got to playing with it! She loved how Cinderella and Prince Charming could fit inside! Our girls will spend hours and hours playing that!
There is that Danny smile that Grace gets when she is in LOVE with something….she is totally excited about this watch! It is water proof and it has a light! HOW COOL!
The Chase kids exchanged names. My family got to buy a gift for the NY Chases while Karen had to buy for us. The funny thing about the exchange is that we got the Chases an ice cream maker and Karen got us THE EXACT SAME ONE!!! We were all totally excited to use it… and by the way, it makes yummy, yummy ice cream!! THANKS, AUNTIE KK!!!
Later in the day, Josiah opened his last gift… he got a remote controlled car from Grampa and Nanna! He loved it… notice the concentration as he drives the car around the living room. He LOVED crashing into things… especially into mommy!
Even though we were going to be “alone” for Christmas, I still wanted to have a big dinner. I cooked a turkey, sweet potatoes, corn muffins and green beans! YUMMY!! We ALL enjoyed it!
Caleb enjoyed his meal: squash, apple sauce, and rice cereal. He seems thankful, right?
It was a SUPER day… with SUPER people! I love this little family more than I could ever say. They are SUPER special to me. It is hard to believe that it all started over 15 years ago with two naïve college kids in love! It was truly a merry Christmas!
For fun…. here are a few pictures that I found from our “new” New Hampshire home in 2003 and then the family Christmas in Chester! CRAZY… mom with gray hair! Dad with a beard! Only Adam has kids! CRAZY!
AJ… is that a Milloy jersey?