Early Fosters: Christmas 2012

Wow - Christmas flew by!! I still cannot believe it's over and time to put all the decorations away. Between having all the family in town and then getting sick right after the holiday I have been procrastinating many things - like blogging, putting away the Christmas tree, going anywhere in general. It's time to get things rolling again. So, here is a quick post about our Christmas 2012!

Let's just say it was wonderful! All of my family came into town (immediate family) and camped at my house for a few days. It was a bit of crazy chaos going from 3 people to 12 people every day but I loved every second of it. Ellinor was basically in heaven - numerous people enamored with her and open to obeying her every command. She never ran out of entertainment or play mates for the week. And everyone thought she was just amazing - heaven, I tell you. ;)

Basically the bodies fell where we could find room at night for sleeping and we somehow managed to cook some fabulous meals in my little kitchen. Thank you mom and dad for your culinary skills! They are amazing. Jeff also cooked a mean breakfast Christmas morning, so a shout out to him. I can tell you that having other people here to help cook some great food was Christmas enough for me. As per tradition, holidays and family gatherings revolve around the food and this year was no let down. We had so many goodies left over after the holiday that we have had to hide them and put Ellinor on a bit of a sugar fast. I have to admit, Bry and I let her have plenty of freedom when it came to treats over Christmas. We figured it only happens once a year, so it couldn't hurt too bad to just let her have some fun. Now I am trying to get her back on a normal eating schedule period - such a stinker she is! LoL.

There as plenty of game playing (Apples to Apples, and Xbox after Christmas morning - but poker took the cake) to be had, hanging out watching whatever football game or random show was turned on, and tramping through the snow. This year we had a nice white Christmas - and then the snow just didn't seem to want to stop. But, it was fun for Seth and Caleb to get some sledding time. Ellinor LOVES playing outside in all weather. She looks pretty darn cute in her snow gear too. I ventured out for a bit on the first day of snow play, but then enjoyed my nice warm home after that. ;)

We enjoyed our traditional Christmas Eve Shepherd's dinner - we basically picnic on the floor eating a meal that could have been had by the shepherd's that Christmas Eve night (with a few modern additions thrown in like salad dressing and sparkling cider). After we eat we read the Christmas story in Luke and try to ponder a bit on the true meaning of this beautiful holiday. This year Mom also sang 'Oh Holy Night' for us - have I mentioned she is amazing?! I teared up a bit - nothing like a stunning voice and Christmas hymn to bring on the spirit. Plus, I just missing hearing my mom sing since no longer living at home.

Christmas morning was fun! We were all up by about 7:30am and hung out for a bit while Jeff, some some assistance from Bryan, whipped up a great breakfast. We enjoyed the feast and then gathered downstairs in the formal room to watch Ellinor discover her Santa present - a kitchen! Let me just say it was the biggest hit ever. Good job Santa! ;) But she was then so preoccupied with playing chef that she literally refused her other presents. Did not want to open them or acknowledge them in any way. After about 35 minutes or so she finally came around and we could coax her into opening them. Such a funny girl. She made out like a bandit this year!

We spent Christmas day enjoying each other's company, playing with our new gifts, and preparing the big feast. It was lovely! I am so sad to see it go for another year, but I am overwhelmingly grateful to have my beautiful family. It was incredible spending time with all of them - including our new addition, Becca's fiance Nick. I was thrilled Andrew and Jeff could make it up from Vegas and Dad was able to spend more than 1 day in town. :) MISSING THEM ALL so much already.