Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Sometimes it is so hard to be the photographer and the mother, and I struggled with that this year for Christmas. I missed many important shots like us in our Christmas outfits home from church along with countless others, but I really was in the moment this Christmas. It was a day full of memories many of which were unphotographed but nevertheless happened and will be forever imprinted in my memory of Christmas 2011. So without further adieu our Christmas . . .

This first photograph pretty much sums up the memory for me. My children are all at enchanting ages and really reveled in the Christmas season. Every thing was so magical to them. Every time Jacob saw Santa anywhere his face lit up and his eyes widened as he shouted "Santa, Santa." Below the oldest two were discussing how Santa actually comes down the chimney and staring into the fireplace to search for clues, answers, and see the magic.

Christmas Eve right before dinner

Our Christmas Eve dinner of appetizers. So easy and delicious!

We read the nativity story that Papa together years ago with my few additions of singing songs to tell the story. I thought of this after the fact but next year we are going to get out the little nativity and as the story is read/songs are sung we are going to move the pieces as well to help us tell the story. The we opened up our traditional Christmas Eve present of pajamas.

Eating our Christmas cookies after setting out our plate for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Benjamin had to count out nine carrots so that Santa could give one to each one.

Christmas morning at 7:15 a.m. and ready to see if Santa came

Jacob found Santa's plate of crumbs and decided he needed to eat the leftovers.

Opening presents. This was a favorite of Benjamin- a science kit.

We opened a few presents and then stopped for breakfast because everyone was hungry. We had cinnamon rolls, eggs, and great-grandma Ruth's "french chocolate" to warm our tummies.

Emma opened another present and was thrilled to be a REAL princess!

Emma loved her puppy in a purse!

I got what I have been requesting for years. A blurb book of the blog from the first year that we started it. Stephen was up in the middle of the night and made it for me. So fun to read over the entries from 2007.
Benjamin's favorite present by far was this remote control helicopter. It was a hit and dearly loved until it crashed four days later and broke. He's already asking for a replacement for his birthday.

We went to church and then came home to enjoy a few hours before heading off to Christmas dinner with family friends. It was so fun to relish in their hospitality and friendship as we truly felt we were with family. We are thankful for a day to enjoy one another and find Christmas magic even if there are very few pictures!