We experienced the most enjoyable and relaxing Christmas this year. I can't begin to express the joy we felt Christmas morning and the whole holiday through. It was nice to not have to pack up Christmas and travel anywhere. It was nice to capitalize on Brian's time off of work by spending every spare minute we had together. We did nothing but decorate, bake goodies, and dance to Christmas music during the days before Christmas. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old at home, the anticipation of Christmas morning was unbearable at times!
My sister Ellen and my parents spent the holiday with us, making this Christmas extra special for me. We have many traditions. During the entire month of December we read stories, sing songs, and read scriptures about Christ's birth and life. We teach our kids the true meaning of Christmas and focus on showing kindness and service others. But then on Christmas Eve, my dad reads 'Twas The Night Before Christmas and we put out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. The kiddles open their gifts from each other (our kids got to spend $10 on each other this year). Then on Christmas morning, the first person who wakes up gets a pot or pan and a spoon from the kitchen. Then they march around the house singing Jingle Bells and banging on their instruments until everyone is awake and joined in the marching procession. We march around the whole house finishing by the Christmas tree to open up stockings. After stockings and gifts from Santa, we break for breakfast (this year I made cinnimon rolls) then return to the tree to open the rest of our gifts.
What a truly wonderful Christmas we had! There was so much love, joy, and excitement in our home. We hope to carry these feelings with us throughout this new year - to live in the moment - to enjoy the journey.
I ran into Natalya's room and snuggled her on her bed. She said, "Mommy, I don't like nighttime." I said, "Well good - because it's daytime!! Merry Christmas!!" She let out a little squeal and we chased each other down the stairs. She was amazed at all the beautiful presents under the tree and the splendor laid out on the couch from Santa. Here's a picture of what we saw.
This is the kiddle Christmas tree. They not only decorated it themselves, but they put all of their homemade gifts along with gifts from their cousins, Klaire and Jace, under their tree.
Natalya picked out a cookie, helped pour Christmas punch, and set out several carrots for Santa and his reindeer. She even made this placemat/sign in her computer class for him. And if you'll notice, he ate the cookie (leaving only crumbs), drank the punch, and left only two small pieces of carrots.
I told my parents that the one thing I wanted for Christmas this year was for them to be at my house at 7AM sharp on Christmas morning. That way they could experience Brian and I with our kids - the same way they once made Christmas so special for their kids. And they lived up to their promise. They pulled up to our house at 7:00 sharp and were inside at 7:01. They made Christmas morning perfect! Plus, I left a note for Santa, along with three extra stockings, asking him to fill stockings for our guests. He did.
The Reeve family on Christmas morning.
What do you know- Santa gave Branson a nut cracker. He probably knew that Branson broke both of my decorator nut crackers (thank goodness for hot glue). Now he has his own to break.
For generations, Santa always puts an orange in the toe of our stockings - and the tradition continues!
The kids loved helping each other open gifts. This one is from Santa to both Natalya and Branson.
Grandma and Grandaddy got our kids these bouncy balls! They were a total hit. The kids bounced on their bottoms stopping only to eat or run to the potty. :)
Santa got the kids a the Delux Marble Race III! Amazingly, it was almost identical to the one that I had growing up. Santa must have known that if I liked it a lot, so would my kids. And they do! They create new towers and ramps every day.
Branson loves his new GeoTrax "choo-choo twain" he got for Christmas. He spent the better part of his day (and every day since then) with his remote control train.
We gave Irelynn rice cereal as one of her Christmas gifts. So she had her very first bites of cereal on Christmas day! Here is a progressive view of her first bite - starting with: The anticipation of the first bite. Then...
The first bite! (Notice Natalya's face.)
And the aftermath. We didn't catch her yucky/silly face on camera, but needless to say, she thought it was nasty.
There's no better way to end a perfect day - than with a silly string fight!
I LOVE her little diaper bottom! 
Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, STOP. Check on Irelynn. Bounce, bounce...
My sweet dad got my fussy baby to sleep! Great job, Dad. You haven't lost your touch.
My arrangement is finished! I've been wanting to create an arrangement for behind my couches ever since we moved into our home. So for Christmas, Brian took me to the Pottery Barn where we got an amazing deal on these bittersweat and persimmon branches and the vase. I added in a little greenery, and it's done! Merry Christmas to me! It's beautiful. Thanks, Babe.
We sometimes call her, "Chubba-Wubba." I love all her chub.
