Christmas 2014

Christmas Eve began with our traditional outings - pedicures for everyone, lunch at Panera with Mrs. Duncan, and Target to people watch.  Mrs. Duncan surprised the kiddos with a "grab bag" of goodies and they were all delighted to find that special something for everyone!  

 We scooted home just in time to ready ourselves for the Christmas Eve church service at church....Maddox and I decided tongue tattoos would add a bit of flavor to our evening of dress:)

 I could paint a pretty picture here and tell you all how wonderful and beautiful we all were as we scurried out the door to church.  Ha.  Keeping it real, I decided to snap pictures anyway....things to note, our Maryn was less than happy and has her pitiful lip poked out in disapproval of this photo, Colin is missing a tie - he was determined to wear his new Clemson bowtie and he spent lots of minutes watching YouTube videos on how to tie it!  Pryce received one too but made the decision early on that he would just throw in the towel and wear a regular tie.  

 On with keeping it real, I told the children to give a face that described how they felt at that moment - hilarious.  

 He did it!  Colin spent the car ride to church tying his tie over and over and over....persistence is key and he succeeded!

 Following church, we had friends over for chili and snacks and chatter....and when everyone left, we opened our gift from Gran.  Christmas PJs and books - tradition and a favorite to all.  

 Maryn was especially impressed! 

With everyone adorning their new pjs, we all snuggled on the couch to listen to Pop read Twas The Night Before Christmas - Hallmark style since he was not with us this year.

 And then we fed the reindeer and set out cookies for Santa....and everyone settled in for a long winter's nap - again, HA, they tossed and turned and turned and tossed....no matter the age, it is so hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve.  

 And at the wee hour of 6:00 am, our children were calling us to come down to see their treats.  This year we spent some time discussing the possibility of sleeping until 7:00 am - they all put their feet down and said no to this suggestion.  Tradition.  

 Smiles...

 half-awake smiles....

 and this precious face of awe!  She slept in and we all relished in watching her come in and see her gifts.

 Stockings are always a hit....

 and the many faces of Maddox....

 she is our girl with her own mind of style....

 and she is always dressing up!  Love her!

 P wasted no time riding his new Ripstik, recording his action on the GoPro, all in his new pjs....

 and our sweet Maryn was all about her new ride....

Christmas 2014 was fabulous for all!  

We loved being in our new home, we loved being surrounded by traditions and friends and family, and we loved having our Maryn with us!  So hard to believe that this time last year we didn't even know her face or anything about her.  And now, one year later, she is here, hugging us, loving on us, and keeping us all on our toes!