I must say that this year's Christmas was SO much better than the last! God has shown up in big ways to take care of our family, and we were able to spend Christmas together this year. Having two kids makes the holidays even more fun. Bryce was in awe of all the lights, loved unwrapping gifts, and even sat in Santa's lap. My heart could have burst with joy watching my children and spending precious time with them over Christmas break!
Avery and Bryce helped me with lots of Christmas crafts and treats. Now that Avery is older, she really gets into painting and making things. Of course, that is right up my alley! She loves to pull up a chair and "help" me cook too. We had fun decorating the house and tree, and Bryce had fun un-decorating it!
Burney Returns....
with a movie
and Christmas PJs!
We started off Christmas this year with a Grinch party! Mommy made green Grinch mint cookies and Grinch floats. We popped popcorn after having our treats and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
We continued our Advent countdown tradition with the tree Papaw built and hung our Jesus name ornaments each night. Bryce now loves chocolate marshmallow Santas! Burney brought those or M&Ms to him each night, and Avery got chocolate peanut butter Santas or mini Ring Pops. Eventually, he will bring something other than candy, but a little after dinner dessert sure does make eating supper easier for now!
Avery performed in her first Christmas program at daycare. She totally rocked it out! She was crying when we got there because she was afraid of everyone wearing Santa hats ,and she was also bothered by her two friends dressed up as Mary and Joseph. She wouldn't wear a hat like everyone else, but don't sweat the small stuff, right? Finally, Avery calmed down and got into the spirit. The two boys next to her ended up crying and sitting with their mommies, but she stood strong and even did one of their parts with the jingle bells (completely on the fly I must add). She knew every word and sang her little heart out. She also (I must boast) had the best rhythm! I smiled from ear to ear the entire time. Seeing it really blessed me. Grammy, GG, Papaw, and Daddy all made it too. Papaw didn't feel well because he'd just had chemo the day before, but he wanted to be there for our sweet girl. I love that Avery is growing and learning in loving environment where Christian values and the Bible are reinforced. Her director, Miss Mandy, pulled Avery from class and helped her to write her name one on one this fall. Her teacher struggled getting her to do it, but Miss Mandy found a way. Now Avery is doing it on her own! I'm so thankful for people like that in her life.
It's kind of difficult to take Christmas pictures when your kids stay sick! Bryce wasn't feeling it. I didn't get a really good one for Christmas cards this year, and when I finally got around to doing some, it was a bit late! I didn't send many out, but I'll try to do better (and stay well) next year! I did get some sweet pics of the kids for Bryce's first Christmas. Having two made the holidays even more fun this year. I love them both so much and seeing the joy on their faces when we went through our yearly traditions was awesome!
Our version of "Pinterest Gone Wrong"...
I was able to get a few good ones that day...
Burney the Elf came back to visit. Avery loves looking for him each morning. Here are some of things he did this time around.
We found a new tradition to begin this year. I had never heard of the live nativity at Shiloh Methodist Church, but after visiting this year, we will be going from here on out. It was amazing! Bryce really enjoyed, but Avery was a little scared. I know she will like it more next year!
Avery had her Christmas party and parent viewing with her dance class recently. She truly loves to dance, and we are so happy Miss Whitney teaches her class! Miss Whitney was my student teacher last year, and she also did my maternity leave when I was out with Bryce. She is such a special person. Jake and I love watching our tiny dancer...the girl has got some moves!
We continued our Canton Lights tradition this year. It is my favorite place to go around Christmas. It is always lit up so beautifully, and we have fun letting Avery run around and ride the rides.
We spent our Christmas Eve in Braxton as usual. We had a good time with family, ate some great food, and the kids opened too many gifts from their Grammy and Papaw. They even spoiled Mommy and Daddy with our first Keurig! I was definitely thrilled to use it for the first time on Christmas Day!
Grammy made sure to send us home with reindeer food again this year, so we put it out before bedtime. We also made sure to leave homemade cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. We began something new this year too. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus before calling it a night and had a family prayer to thank him for all he has done for us. The kids were worn out from all the excitement, and they sweetly fell asleep to rest up for Christmas day.
Santa came and brought lots of fun things for Avery and Bryce! He left a letter as usual. He must have liked Mommy's cookies because he didn't leave much on his plate.
Before Avery and Bryce went to the living room to see what Santa left behind, Avery opened the first gift. It was actually the most important one of all...a baby Jesus and this note. We just wanted to remind her (and ourselves) that He is the reason for every good thing we have.
Opening gifts was a blast, and Bryce's favorite things were the piece of cookie he snagged from Santa's plate when Mommy wasn't looking and the candy canes filled with candy that Santa left in his and his sister's stockings! Avery got the Lalaloopsy doll she'd been asking for and was surprised to get her very own Max and Ruby toys (which is her favorite show of all time). Bryce got some sweet heart clip-on earrings for his sister, and Avery got him a monster snack cup.
We made sure to stop by Pop Newman's house on the way to Vicksburg. The man has a heart of gold, and we love he and his family so very much! They've been a true blessing in our lives.
The final stop on Christmas day was GeGe's and Papaw's house. It was a FULL house which is loads of fun! I love, love, love my family. The kids had fun opening the last of their presents and playing together. I know it did GeGe's and Papaw's heart good to have everyone home that day.
Thank you, Jesus! Merry Christmas!
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