I love everything about Christmas. I don't mind the crowded stores, the traffic, the "millions" of people and parades and other events. Everybody is just trying to bring the magic and the joy of Christmas to their families. If you take a second to step back and observe, you can catch these magic moments in a child's reaction, the meaningful glances between couples when they are having that perfect Christmas moment, laughter, and joy that fills the air. It really is a magical time. We do Christmas BIG around here.
I imagine the joy that comes during the Christmas season can only be compared to the joy one would feel if Jesus was standing right in front you. Live and in person. That's what makes Christmas so special. Yes, we celebrate His birth. But also, everyone, whether they know it or not, allows Jesus in. And if you take the time to notice, you can almost see what the world could be like ... If we ALL continued to use the joy that can only come from Jesus.
If theres's a Christmas parade, chances are you'll find us there!
Waiting for the Parade of Lights to Start
It's A Little Harder for Him to Wait
Hannah Makes it More Fun!
My Little Snuggler
Determined to Get a Picture Of All of Us!
Sweet Baby Watching the Parade
Hanging with Daddy
Hey Mommy!
Unimpressed
Sweet Boys
Singing Santa
We also wrote letters to Santa. Barrett has gotten so good at writing his name! I love that he checked he has been "maybe both" naughty and nice. and he helped me write his sisters' letters. Sweet boy has been paying attention to what has been making his sisters happy and sad lately. He knew exactly what they would ask Santa for if they could understand this whole Santa Claus thing just a little bit better!
All Ready to Go!
Found the Mailbox
So Big
Can't Figure Out How This Works Exactly
Good Thing Her Big Brother Was There to Help!
Too Busy to Pose for Mommy
Brother Helping Twin #2
Seriously. When Did He Get So Big?
We spent some time playing and trying to have a mini-photoshoot the rest of the afternoon. These pics pretty much sum up how it went:
Too Much Christmas Fun for the Twincesses!
I decided to take each kid out on their very own Mommy & Me Christmas date. Ever since the twins were born we have been VERY intentional about spending one-on-one time with Barrett. But this is probably the first time I've taken each of the twins out by themselves.
First up: Parker. One of the local churches had a Christmas Tree event where they lined the foyer with Christmas trees, each decorated to tell the story of Jesus.
I learned a few things during my date with Parks:
1) This girl never met a Christmas tree she didn't like.
2) She is my runner! This girl takes off and is FAST! Now I understand who initiates that whole "twins running in opposite directions" thing. I was chasing her everywhere! I love this girl's spunkiness.
3) She loves being alone with Mommy!
Next, Barrett and I spent the whole day together! We counted all his money (ahem ... coinstar counted all this coins) to buy his sisters a Christmas present. Made a Starbucks run for hot chocolate and a cookie. And then we met some friends for lunch and Elf Jr. We found a great, local production where the play was put on by kids. It was kind of awkward, and quirky. But Barrett LOVED every second of it. And, we were supporting kids in our own community.
I forget how old he is now and what a "big kid" he is. I still find it funny that I can have actual conversations with this miniature adult. Whenever I get to spend time with him alone, and give him all my attention, my heart almost can't handle the goodness. He genuinely makes me laugh.
Finally it was time for my and sweet Payton girl to have some one-on-one time. We went to a hotel to look at all of their Christmas decorations. The place was PACKED, and I think she was a little overwhelmed by all the people and all the decorations.
It's funny what you learn about the twins when you're alone with them:
1) This girl finds total comfort in Mommy's arms. I already knew this, but I didn't realize just how much she relies on watching her sister run around to be brave enough to venture out away from me. I thought it was interesting that she was even more clingy without her twin. I love how much she loves me. I love you too baby girl.
2) She takes everything in from a distance. She doesn't need to touch it, knock it over, kiss it, or hug it to feel like she's seen it.
3) She loves being alone with Mommy too!
Barrett had a Christmas program.
There's really nothing to share because he stood on the stage like this the whole time:
But Hey! He's Up There!
She Loved Watching Him
Blurry ... But This Girl LOVES Her Christmas Trees
Adults love Christmas Too! We've had a few opportunities to leave the kids at home and enjoy the Christmas season ourselves!
Just Like Parker, Never Met a Christmas Tree I Didn't Love!
Good Wine, This Guy, and Christmas Decorations Lining the Street
That's a Good Date!
Barrett had a Gingerbread House party with the boys from his old class. I love watching these boys play and run around! Such a sweet group of kiddos
Mini-Gingerbread House
Lunch!
Sweet Boy Had to Bring His Sisters to and All Boy Party
Keeping Up with the Boys!
"Oh We Should Take A Quick Picture!"
Famous Last Words.
These wiggle worms wouldn't sit still for a second.
Cuties
Back at home ...
I Turn Around for ONE Second!
How did she get up there to fast!
We tried baking Christmas cookies all together. Trust me ... everything was under control!
Cookie Thieves!
I didn't know they were tall enough to reach that high!
Fell in the Cabinet
Somehow ... The Bowl She is Holding Is Still in One Piece
And all the ingredients made it INTO the mixing bowl
Took a Little Unwrapping Break to Lick the "Stirrer"
Scared of the Mixer
But Hey! They Turned Out Pretty!
Wilson Sister Cookie Night
And on top of all our party, parades, baking, and Christmas field trips ... there has been plenty of Christmas themed-play time and Christmas family movies and story times at home!
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