Christmas Festivities

Stace and I had a late night on Christmas Eve, with all the final parental preparations.

We awoke Christmas morning to the excited sounds of girls finding their Christmas stockings and Santa gifts - new Lego sets and Christmas Beanie Boos. "Santa always brings Christmas Beanie Boos," Violet had told me days before.

We celebrated Christmas with our Somerset family via Skype, and Cora opened her "big" gift, a sewing machine. Many of her gifts from Nan and Pop and Dean and Jenny related to her sewing machine.

It was tough to not see them all in person, but we are excited that Nan and Pop will be here in just over a month for a visit.

Later, we had a tasty dinner of roast beef with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Mel and Uncle Nick. Then, it was time for more presents.

Violet's "big" gift was a real American Girl doll, which was on every list she wrote out.

She was duly excited; as a parent, it's such a blessing to see your children so happy.

Cora gave Violet clothes for her new doll, which she named "Joy." And Violet gave Cora a thoughtful gift of a new journal, something Cora had mentioned earlier in the month.

Cora was especially generous this year. She made some gifts - sugar scrubs and ornaments, including this Dodger baseball ornament for Grandpa.

The most humorous gift award had to go to my mom, who gave Stace this hilarious reindeer leg hat (among other presents). I haven't seen Stace laugh that hard in ages.

We also Skyped with Uncle Bill, Aunt Patty and cousin Elizabeth in Washington. The Internet is a wonderful tool for staying connected with those you love!

We all had a beautiful Christmas, and are thankful to be so filled with love and blessings.