We had an incredible Christmas this year. I think it was all the more special because we got the best gift in the world: a brand new baby! I was so happy that Emmersyn arrived before Christmas, so we could all spend it together. We spent the holiday at my parents house like we do every year. The kids love spending the night at their grandparents house and running around like crazy maniacs waiting for Santa to come.
On Christmas Eve, we spent the day cuddling with Emersyn and eating lots of delicious food. We have had the same lunch for Christmas Eve since I was a child. For Christmas dinner, we had lasagna that I made and froze back in November. After dinner, we went and looked at Christmas lights. There is a house in my parents neighborhood that is incredible. The entire town talks about it and traffic gets backed up for miles with people coming to see it. It involves music and seven houses. Dawson and Gracie were in such awe. They didn't want to leave!
After the lights, we played a new family game. It has been circulating on Facebook, so we decided to give it a try. It was a lot of fun and it will definitely be making an appearance at future Christmases!
The kids put out cookies and milk for Santa and headed to bed. They had a bit of a tough time winding down because they were so excited, but they eventually went to sleep. I was a little worried I would be up a lot with Emersyn, but she did great that night and only woke up a few times and went right back to sleep. I woke up pretty rested for having a 6 day old baby!
The kids were up bright and early to see what Santa brought them. Ella and Ashlyn both got giant LOL doll balls which they wanted. The boys got Mario stuff. Gracie got a Peppa Pig dollhouse. Santa didn't forget Emersyn, and brought her a play set for when she is a bit older.
Dawson has been asking for a Nintendo Switch for months. He was obsessed with it much like Ralphie was with the B.B. gun in a Christmas Story. That is all that little boy wanted. We explained to him it was a very expensive gift and he would have to work really hard to be a good boy if he wanted it. He really tried his hardest to get the Switch. After opening Santa presents, Dawson opened his first gift which was his first clue that took him on a scavenger hunt around the house. The final clue led him to his Switch. He was so excited! I don't think I have ever seen him that happy. Joey worked really hard putting together the scavenger hunt to make it extra special for Dawson as his parents did something similar for him when he was a kid. Dawson just loved it and I know it's a memory he will cherish for years.
We spent the rest of the day opening gifts and helping the kids unwrap lots of new toys. Emmy was an angel and just slept all day. She was such a good baby and everyone commented how they never heard her cry. We had a delicious Christmas dinner with my Grandma's amazing desserts which were the perfect ending to a wonderful holiday.
Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday and it was extra special this year. It is incredible to think next year Emmy will be a year old and running around with the rest of the kids caught up in all the Christmas magic. I am already looking forward to next Christmas!
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| The girls in the matching Christmas pajamas that Eddie Buddy brought them. |
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| The new family Christmas game. You take turns unwrapping a big ball of plastic wrap that contained lots of prizes. It got pretty competitive. |
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| Emmy and Daddy |
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| Emmy in one of her many Christmas outfits. I couldn't resist. |
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| All the kids in their special pajamas |
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| I can't believe we now have six kids running around! |
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| My mom had a special sign made a few years ago for Santa. We will have to update it for Emersyn. |
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| Ashlyn wrote a quick note to Santa. I thought it was sweet |
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| Santa came! |
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| Lots of loot for lots of kids! |
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| Dawson has a little thing for Mario |
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| Graceyn's hair always looks like this in the morning |
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| The kids with their Santa gifts |
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| Dawson showing off his Switch |
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| His excitement when opening his Switch |
