Christmas 2022.

Christmas Eve.

We had some minor colds the week leading up to Christmas, so the celebrations looked a bit different than I had originally planned for. Olive was the most congested she’s ever been in her 8 months of life thus far, poor girl. Plus she was cutting multiple teeth at once. 

 We ended up going to the gym on the morning of Christmas Eve and then headed to my parents for lunch, food prep, and a virtual Christmas Eve service and dinner together. I really love being in a church building on Christmas Eve, so I was pretty bummed to not be able to. I still asked my kids to wear their Christmas church attire for photos though. Getting to celebrate Christmas with our girl for the first time was the most fun and I wanted to be sure to do what we could (like photo shoots in front of the tree) regardless of our failed plans. 

After we left my parents, we gave the kids their one gift (new pajamas) and then they exchanged the gifts they bought for one another and us. Watching them give is my very favorite Christmas tradition. This year especially because they spent their own money on their sibling gifts and we’re extra proud and excited to give them. 

My mom thoughtfully takes them shopping for me and Lee too, which I also love. I really enjoy seeing what they pick for us. This year Jack gave me a new bracelet, Luca gave me a workout shirt and a new pen, and they chose a mug for me from Olive.  Jack gave Lee a game boy watch and Luca gave him a sock/mug Mandalorian gift set. I think they gave him a candle from Olive, but I can’t remember. 

When we were discussing what the boys wanted to get Olive, Luca mentioned how he wanted to buy her her first Barbie. He wasn’t sure though because he knew she was too young for an actual Barbie. We ended up finding a “little people” Barbie play set that they gave her. 

Christmas Eve assembling. Thankfully it was pretty simple this year. 

We’re ready! 

Christmas Day. 

The boys were so excited to walk out and see the castle tent. Opening gifts with them is just so much fun because they get excited for everything and seem so grateful. Getting to give to Olive this year was extra fun- I bought all the girly things I could (her first purse, first piece of jewelry, princess play set). Some are too old for her but I couldn’t resist! She’s at a fun age too where she was interactive and had a blast opening gifts. 

Luca is really into making disguises and was really hoping for fake mustaches for Christmas. So random, which I love. 

After we finished opening gifts at our house, we packed it up to spend the rest of the day at my parents with Sarah, Josh, and Abby. We had a light lunch, opened gifts, hung out, had a nice dinner, and then played a family game which was a lot of fun. We laughed and played and built new toys and the day just felt restful and really enjoyable. 

Laughing at her pops. 

These next few pictures are from the days after Christmas. Heather and her kids came after Christmas. Lee had the week off which was the best. We had a good week playing and resting and being together. 

Seeing who could plank the longest. I think it was Auntie Sarah who won.