Oh my goodness! Christmas came and went so fast this year! We had the best time…but I’m really sad it’s over. I already miss the twinkle lights and carols. Sigh. I’ll be ok.
Prepare yourself for a lot of Christmas cheer…
We always kick off our Christmas with Christmas Eve Eve (Andrew’s favorite day of the year…seriously!). This year, Andrew came home from work really early and we decorated our gingerbread house together…
My little crew did a great job on our house :).
After house decorating, we headed to dinner (because this mama doesn’t cook on Christmas Eve Eve!).
Andrew tried to teach Kensington how to balance a spoon on her nose…but she showed him that it’s really quite simple…you just lean your head all the way back :).
On Christmas Eve morning, we woke up and stayed cozy all morning. We watched two Christmas movies, ate a yummy breakfast and snuggled until it was time to go to Lovie and Papa Jay’s house.
We arrived at Lovie’s all ready to party!
I showed Smith Santa’s Sleigh on NORAD and he was obsessed! He stayed in my mom’s office all night watching it fly. He was too cute for words!
After we ate dinner and most of our extended family headed home, we decided to build some more gingerbread houses (or I decided to just eat the candy and watch them…).
Poppy Popsicle was worn out!
Before bed, we left cookies and milk for Santa. Andrew kept telling the kids that Santa would really like iced tea and chicken breasts…but they didn’t listen. So, Santa (who has a very clean diet in my house!) ate the cookies and drank the milk :). And yes…every table top in my mom’s house is pretty amazing…she’s an interior designer after all :).
This sums up Christmas morning! They were thrilled!!!
During our present opening, they required a snack to get them to brunch. It’s a lot of work opening gifts!
C and I said we look Biblical in our awesome new robes! Seriously…these robes are the softest things I’ve ever felt! I wore it all day. And most of the next day too. Love it!
Our little Ninja Turtle!
My dad has a journal for Ashby London and we all wrote her note on Christmas morning. I am praying she’s with us next Christmas! I am so thankful for the sweet notes from my parents and grandparents to our newest daughter.
The big deal this year was that Santa brought the kids bikes!
We packed up all of our goodies, headed home from Lovie’s and got re-packed to head to Missouri the following morning (I’m still exhausted from all of it!).
Here we all are bright and early the next morning making the 6 hour drive to Missouri!
I’m so glad I married this Missouri boy :).
The best part about Missouri is hanging out with Andrew’s brother’s family. These are the 4 Shull grandkids…soon, there will be five :).
Brode (7), Kensington (5), Smith, (almost 4), Sylvia (4)
She asked to have her picture taken with these lovely fake flowers…I obliged :).
At our favorite candy house in Joplin! We love it here!!
Sweet boy XOXO
My favorite part of our Missouri trip? The hours I spent sitting in this big chair with my babies. We were eating the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charm box and being goofy. Love her.
Whew! I am tired! We had such a wonderful Christmas but it’s so good to be home and back in our normal (somewhat…that whole New Years thing throws me off) routine.
It’s my Pink Champagne Bundt Cake!
Happy Monday!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Ahh!! What a whirlwind and I love every bit of it. I can't believe it's over. I think Christmas with kids is just the most fun thing ever.
kristen says
Your Christmas looks so full of life and love! So neat! I've been out of the blog loop for awhile – have you told us who Ashby is? Are you expecting? Adopting? Excited for you!
Milissa says
HI! I really enjoy your blog! Thank you…….
I was wondering if you could tell me what shade of nail polish you are wearing in the adorable pictures with your daughter at the end of the page please?
Thanks! Happy New Year to you and your adorable family!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
What a FUN Christmas! Love all the photos – your little family is TOO CUTE!
emilyabernathy.com says
It looks like your Christmas was so exhausting but so much fun! The days after Christmas are the most sad for me. 🙁 But there is much to be thankful and excited for in the New Year!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
SUCH good pictures! I missed you though and I'm glad y'all are home!!!!!
Jodi says
What a great holiday for you! Looks like a fun time was had by all!
Mix and Match Mama says
The polish is OPI Jet Setter!
Anonymous says
I am considering a Clarisonic Mia purchase for my ten year old daughter. Her skin is very sensitive, and she has already started having breakouts. I have read in reviews that initially one could expect increased breakouts. Did you experience this? If so how long did it last?
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog this year! Praying you and yours have the happiest of New Years!
Dawn 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I did not experience any breakouts with my Clarisonic. It has really been great for my skin!
Sincerely Anna says
The beautiful journal…love the idea of a special note written by grandparents. Loved all the pics. Happy New Year!
Amy Flemister says
It looks like y'all had a wonderful Christmas, but goodness gracious I was tired for you with all that traveling! You need a catch up day!
Sarah says
I love your gingerbread houses!
Whenever I see pictures of Kensington and Catherine I think they look alike!
Paula says
Sounds perfect! I pray Asby is home as well.
Paula says
Looks perfect! I pray that Ashby is home next Christmas as well!
Paula says
Sounds perfect! I pray Asby is home as well.