Christmas has come and gone! Our holiday was spent in New England this year, and even through all the homesickness we managed to make some pretty spectacular memories. Our long-distance family certainly spoiled us.
Christmas Eve
Luke 2 reading and Nativity reenactment using the new nativity gloves from Grandma
Our first family Secret Santa gift exchange. Believe it or not, Hinder actually refrained from spilling the beans on who he picked for S.S. His Santa (Riley) might have been thinking more about himself when he chose this Lego set.
Decorated cookies for Santa. I love this age and all the magic that comes from whole-heatedly believing in Santa Claus.
Christmas Day
Santa came! Sleds for the kids, kitchen set for Vy, art easel for H, and a snowing machine for me. Riley's been riding his Santa gift to and from the UNE campus for a few months now. Oh, and of course, a few squishy sharks.
Sleepy-eyed Christmas morning photos are my FAVORITE! They're so darling and sweet.
The kids were overjoyed when they saw what Santa left.
Grandma Lorie and Grandpa Ray never disappoint! The fire-breathing dragon dream actually came true. What a lucky boy!
The classic toy assembling photos from Christmas day. Little VyLeigh impatiently waiting for dad to set up her scooter.
Aunt Mal and Uncle Don for the memo that Hinder has a thing for strange, squishy animal toys. He hit the jackpot!
AND the kids loved on their toys from Papa and Nana! Vy sleeps with that Caterpillar book. So sweet.
We had our doubts about getting a white Christmas, but luckily, we were dumped on Christmas day. Riley made his own personal ski hill in the front yard.
A very thoughtful family from our ward invited us for games and dinner Christmas day. They live right on the coast of Cape Elizabeth. We're so grateful for them and had a really fun time. Thanks, Ernshaws!
The Day After
The day started early. We piled in the tiny car, packed to the brim...skis and all...and made the drive to Riley's aunts house in New Hampshire. Riley spent the day at Cannon Ski Resort, while Gretchin treated the kids and I to a mini-tour of Littleton, NH.
Every little New England town feels like you've stepped back in time. Or into an episode of Gilmore Girls. She let the kids pick out their own book at her favorite book store, and then spoiled them rotten at Chutters candy shop, home of the Guinness Book of World Record Longest Candy Counter. It was heaven.
Even though we missed our moms, dads, brothers, and sisters, and especially all the nieces and nephews, Christmas turned out to be a pretty amazing holiday.
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