Pearson and Alison: Nuptials and Much More: Christmas Recap

I can not believe it has taken me this long to post these photos and give a recap of Christmas. First off to anyone out there, I hope you had a Merry Christmas followed with much joy, peace, and love. Ours thankfully and gratefully was. It was an opportunity for us to slow down and enjoy the spirit of the holiday and each other. We spent the Christmas holiday with Grandma C. this year in Portland and had a fantastic time getting to celebrate with her.

The kids got a few presents each from Santa and gobs of presents from our families who are beyond generous. This was the year of the princesses for Mae and cars for Whitaker. This was also the first year that Mae "got" the idea of Santa. The moment that I will remember forever about this Christmas is the morning of, when Mae woke up at the ridiculous hour of 5:15 am. She immediately said, "I am hungry." This is a phrase she mutters often when she gets up at a ridiculously early hour and is still tired. I immediately thought to myself, "Shit, clearly she doesn't understand this whole Santa thing and it isn't going to be all squeals of delights this year. Oh well, better luck next year." She then made herself over to Pearson's bed where he told her he would get her a cookie if she went back to bed for a little bit. (Yes, a cookie at 5:15 in the morning). She waited for her cookie then ate it. She then said, "Daddy I want to go downstairs to see if Santa came. Do you think he came?!? I need to check the plate to see if he ate his food." My heart soared with childhood delight at those phrases.

After waiting for Whitaker to wake up, which was probably about another 15 minutes, we all headed downstairs at 5:30 to squeals and a little bit of shock from Mae. Whitaker didn't get it but was excited because Mae was excited. We were able to draw out opening gifts for about 3 hours. We would open a few, play with them, then stop for food, drink etc.. then repeat the process. It was a really leisurely, enjoyable way to do it and I felt that our kids were really able to be thankful for the gifts that everyone spent so much time, energy, and thought into buying, wrapping, and giving/sending to them.

Road trip to Portland.

This was a couple of days before Christmas. Only a couple of cars in sight.

Trying to capture both of them before heading to church.

On Christmas Eve on the way to church. Yep, she is one classy girl. She also laid on the floor of the church for half of the mass. The other half I held her. My arms were going to break after 30 minutes.

Getting Santa's cookies ready. Also, eating the cookies for Santa.

Waiting for his cookie.

She insisted an apple for Santa's reindeer.

All Santa's goods ready for him with a note to Santa dictated by Mae to me.

Putting out Santa's plate under Grandma C.'s tree.

Excited for Santa to come.

Can't you tell she is excited as well?

In her Christmas PJ's. These are actually from last year. Since they still fit I didn't see a need to purchase a new pair.

Santa is coming!

Doing some weird hand gesture.

This year I gave the kids a copy of the Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve.

The stocking was stuffed.

Pointing out all the presents.

A little in shock about all the presents.

Santa brought her a Dream Lite. The one thing she asked Santa for.

Whitaker got a big fire truck from Santa.

Opening his matchbox cars.

Playing doctor. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa K.

Princess coloring book.

The symphony. This is one of the best, if not the best, toys I have ever seen. Thanks Grandma C. By the way, this was Mae's gift, Whitaker is enjoying it too.

Princess Mae.

Group shot.

Minnie's Boutique

Whitaker getting a chance to open a present.

And of course, Mae right there to help.

Mae helping Grandma open a present.

Taking a break to play with the goods.

Meeting the princesses for the first time. Heather, my sister, and her family got Mae 7 of the Disney princess dolls. The dolls are well loved in this family.