Christmas 2013

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! 

It started off with our traditional Christmas Eve celebration… clam chowder home made by Glenn, matching pajamas (we re-used some of the pants from last year so I only had to make a pair for Derek and Amelia), Grandpa reading the Grinch, and of course the Christmas Story from the Bible.

This year I was elated when all four children snuggled up happily next to each other in front of the Christmas tree and gave their biggest, brightest smiles while I took pictures of them in their matching pajamas.  My heart was warmed by the sheer cuteness!  I couldn’t believe how cooperative they were all being, and nobody was bugged at how close they were sitting.  It was a magical moment…..until 10 minutes later when I realized there had been no card in the camera.  I wanted to cry.

We tried again, but the moment was gone.  This was the best we got:

Amelia had cheered up substantially by the next morning, although she had a crummy cold, which made for a runny nose and swollen eyes in all her pictures.

Santa was good to us this year.  The boys all got Snap Circuits, and Amelia got a doll and cradle.  Christmas morning was so quiet with the boys busy building their projects! 

My favorite part of Christmas morning was watching the boys unwrapping the presents they got for each other.  They had each worked so hard to earn money and wanted to pick out the perfect present.

Derek was in charge of getting Adam a present.  After the plasma car accident last month on Adam’s birthday, Derek decided he wanted to get Adam a new one so Evan wouldn’t have to ask Santa for one.  It was tough for him to swallow the amount of money he was going to have to spend to buy it since Derek really wanted to buy some Pokemon cards.  He ultimately decided it would be worth the sacrifice.  I think he was right.

Evan was in charge of getting Derek a present.  He chose Pokemon cards.  From Derek’s reaction, I think it was a good choice.  There is nothing like seeing this kind of brotherly love burst forth on Christmas morning!

Adam was in charge of getting Evan a present.  He chose to give him a Lego set.  Evan was super excited, but I think Adam was even more excited to give the gift!

The big joke this year to help the boys not leak any secrets about Christmas presents was whenever someone asked about a Christmas present, we said they were getting a toilet scrubber.  The boys and I decided we should follow through…

I couldn’t have asked for a better day!  We spent the afternoon with Brent and Kristen and my parents.  It doesn’t get any better than spending Christmas with the people you love most!  A perfect day!