This year we debated on whether or not to have lights put on the house or just do the trees again and we went with just the trees. It turned out so pretty as usual! The kids love to see all the lights and our neighborhood really does a great job of decorating!
We happened to meet Ben at Bass Pro one afternoon during the week and went ahead and let Emma see Santa. This was the first year Cash wasn't that interested in seeing him.....not sure if that is an indication of what's to come but right now we still believe.
Emma had her Christmas program at Concordia which was just so precious. The theme was Christmas Jammies. It brought back so many memories of Cash being at Concordia and doing all those same fun events! She did a great job and so far isn't shy on stage which is very similar to Cash.
One afternoon we had Kristen and Tiffany Atchley over to decorate gingerbread houses! Emma really liked that. Surprisingly she was more interested in decorating than eating the candy.
My dad's birthday is also in December so we celebrated by going downtown, eating at La Margarita, getting some pastries and a little face painting for Cash!
The week before Christmas the girls and I got together and did our Secret Santa exchange. This year we met up at Grimaldi's for a little pizza and a lot of laughs! My sweet Kenifet was my Secret Santa and gave me the most beautiful basket filled with yummy snacks, two bottles of great wine, and a beautiful hydrangea. That same week Yvonne had her annual Garcia Christmas party. The kids had a blast and of course I try and never miss a chance to get together with my girls!!!! Yvonne and John hosted a great evening and Cash got to stay the night so the party continued with him and the Garcia kiddos!
We did make it out to the JW which I always love to do during the holidays as its decorated so beautifully! The massive Christmas tree outside and the gorgeous gingerbread house display in the lobby is just over the top.
The Friday before Christmas the new Chipmunks movie came out....The Chipmunks Road Chipped and Emma was just over the moon for the Chipmunks/Chipettes so I knew we had to take her. It just so happened that this was her first movie the very first Chipmunks movie was Cash's first movie at the same age. She sat through the entire movie...a little anxious toward the end but she did great. Cash thought it was good....although I think he has outgrown the Chipmunks.
Christmas Eve arrived and we were in full eating, gift exchanging and enjoying family mode! Side note: Cash had a little friend over and when I asked her if she was excited about Christmas and Santa visiting her she told me "I prefer to focus on the true meaning of Christmas." I almost busted out laughing, and while I was happy to hear a child today think that way, these kids....in this house....can't wait for Santa to arrive...for no other reason than the gifts he brings. I have to say while focusing on it being the birthday of Jesus Christ and being thankful to have each other we absolutely LOVE to see our kids faces Christmas morning when they see all that "Santa" brought for them! I will treasure those mornings as one day in the very near future I won't see those excited faces come Christmas morning anymore. I can only hope that they have as much joy with their children, God willing, as we have had and are having with them.
Each year, for the past 4 years, we have given the kids Christmas Eve gifts. I use the same Christmas boxes each year and simply put a pair of Christmas jammies, fun snacks, and a movie. I noticed this year that as Cash has grown his box was stuffed pretty tight...as his pj's have only gotten bigger..and that was just a pair of pj pants...time for a new box. Emma got a Peppa Pig movie, Minnie Mouse pj's and some goodies.
Andy and Cheryl along with my parents joined us Christmas Eve for tamales/chili and a gift exchange. The kids were of course spoiled and it was so fun to see their excitement grow with each gift they opened. Emma got her first big girl bike, Minnie Mouse of course, and both kids got a trampoline...both gifts from their Uncle Andy and Cheryl. They were super excited!
Cash has remained true to his character/personality and still never goes snooping for gifts. Part of this is because he truly believes but unlike me who also believed and still snooped, he just doesn't go looking for gifts. I just set out the Christmas Eve gifts which are just boxes and not wrapped as they are decorated boxes and he could simply take the lid off but doesn't. Emma on the other hand is more like her mommy....super snoopy!
Everyone left and it was time for Santa to come so the cookies and milk went out and the kids put in bed.
Christmas morning was of course so much fun! Cash got up, got us up and then we got Emma up. It was about 6am....she was still so sleepy but when she saw all that Santa brought her she quickly became wide awake. Cash was over the moon to get a dirt bike and literally rides it everyday. Emma's favorite gift....its between her BIG Minnie and her kitchen...Cash's favorite gift is his dirt bike! The kids together would say they absolutely love their new trampoline and jump on it almost everyday!
My parents joined us Christmas Day for our traditional Christmas gumbo which was delicious if I do say so myself. It was a nice quiet afternoon..just relaxing with family. I was sad to see the holidays come to an end as they just pass so quickly.
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