Christmas 2012

This was the first Christmas that Matt and I didn't travel down to the farm. Dr. Swanson wanted to be safe.....at this time in the pregnancy a three hour trip into nowhere wasn't something he suggested. November was the month of travel for us so it was actually REALLY nice to stay home for Christmas this year.

We spent Christmas Eve in Dos Palos then came home to prepare for Santa's arrival. We knew Gage would be beat from playing with cousins so we had left out our plate of goodies for Santa and his reindeer before we left for DP. We were right, he couldn't wait to go to bed by the time we got home.

Matt and I woke up at about seven and we were shocked that the kids were both still sleeping. I got up to start preparing breakfast and Gage came in just a few minutes later. We waited a few minutes for Gracie to wake up then we all opened our stockings first.

Gage's stocking had playing cards, dice, Uno, chapstick, deodorant, paddle ball, his favorite candy bar, and green army men.

Gracie's had new cups, a few new tops, bath toys and a couple of Cuties-her favorite snack. Santa fills our stockings too but this was a busy year so he kept it pretty simple.

For breakfast we had cinnamon pancakes with berries and home made whipped (whoop according to Gage) cream, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Then it was time to open gifts. Since we didn't go to the farm, Dale and Debi came to visit the night before Christmas Eve and brought all of the gifts from the Creighton families. So we had LOTS of gifts to unwrap.

The kids opened their gifts from family and Santa. Gage's favorite gifts were the robe we let him open from us on Christmas Eve, Beyblades, and a Razor Scooter.

The highlight was that Santa left Gracie's play set and Gage's scooter outside. We opened all of our gifts and the kids thought Christmas was complete. Then I had Gage open the blinds to let the light in and he saw what was waiting outside. He was SOOO excited to see that play set for Gracie and his scooter.

I love this picture.....the spirit of Christmas, she was so excited and felt like such a big girl on her new slide. 

We try really hard not to get too much "stuff" at Christmas but with such a big family we all end up with SO many wonderful gifts. My favorite gifts were a new lens for my camera from Kandi (my Creighton secret Santa), and my new planner and diaper bag from Santa Matt. He's also bringing me the iPhone 5 but it'll come when we have time to get over to the AT&T store. Matt's favorite gift was his gun safe.

After opening gifts we just spent the day relaxing at home. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the holiday in our home.......and considered what Christmas will be like next year with two more delightful faces to enjoy........

Love