karaspeak

This year we introduced Aiden to the joy and fun that is "Elf on the Shelf" - he was beyond thrilled to have something new to keep him entertained and I'm sure even more thrilled that someone else (besides mom, dad, Taylor, and Teagan) were keeping their eyes on him to make sure he was being a "sweet boy." We, well, he actually, named him Dax. Whether or not he'll remember this for twelve months and name him the same thing again next year remains to be seen. But the funny part of this is he also dubbed the movie ELF, DAX, not ELF.  So far, that is still sticking.

It was exciting to watch the anticipation of Christmas bloom over the course of the week building up to Saturday. We had a great time wrapping presents, baking, playing, and gearing up for the weekend visit with my family. Our newest family tradition, pajamas for the family, was enhanced this year by monograms on each with our kid-given names (Daddy, Mommy, Mimi, Paaa, Uncle B, etc.). So that was a fun treat. We opened those on Christmas Eve so we could all be in matching like fashion for the big day. And the big day was fun. Opening presents with kids is the best....it lasted almost the whole day! To see bright eyes, excitement, wonder, curiosity, and so much joy exude from their little bodies is so much fun to watch. The very best part of Christmas for sure. We had a great brunch - cinnamon rolls, egg casserole, fruit, yogurt, and homemade granola parfaits, and of course, LOTS of coffee. :)

All in all this was my most favorite Christmas yet. Not because of what I got, which may or may not have included the bomb Kate Spade bag from my hubs!!!!, but because of what we were able to see from our parent's eye view. What a truly amazing gift it is. I love my kids and can't wait for them to explore the true meaning of Christmas each and every year.