Let me start by saying this was one of the best Christmas trips ever! We spent so much time with our families and made so many memories. It was truly amazing!!! So with that said, I must also warn you that I didn't take that many photos and some consist of excited blurry kids opening gifts.
The morning with left, it was so foggy and it was pouring rain. We obviously don't get many white Christmases here in Vegas, so I was thrilled to get the next best thing.
Our trip started with a family get together at my MIL's where the kiddos made holiday art and opened presents.
The kiddos all snug in their beds.
"Christmas Morning"! I spy cute little Marlo in her cute green sweater.
Yummy breakfast with Grammie!
Then we headed to my SIL's and these two could not wait to open gifts. Umm, yeah those presents are not all for you. Rian was caught opening one of Rory's gifts while he was outside. She is somewhat of a present ninja.
Afterwards we got to visit with my dad's family. It was a super fun hanging out with the Williams Family. And while enjoying a cookie, Rory lost another tooth. I hope the Tooth Fairy works during the holidays. ;0)
That night the kids worked on a secret project.
And after everyone went to bed that night, Rory asked if he could stay up with me and talk about Christmas. It was so sweet to have a little quiet time with my boy. We snuggled on the couch together and talked about past Christmas memories and then we played on Snapchat.
The next morning I got up super early to grab one last gift that was still on my list. Talk about last minute shopping. It was really beautiful out that morning. It had poured the night before, turning my parents's street into a small river, and in the early morning hours while still raining, it was so peaceful. The hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve had not yet begun and I kinda enjoyed running around town by myself.
After we opened gifts with my parents, we headed to my Tia Jackie and Uncle Joe's house for some Christmas Eve fun!!! I wish I could show you guys the excitement these kids shared when they were finally reunited. The ear-piercing screams when Abraham showed up. It was magical.
We headed home that night just in time for the kiddos to sprinkle their homemade reindeer food on the lawn...
...pour milk for Santa...
...and set it out with cookies and carrots.
It was a bit of a mad dash when we got home, but we did it!
And in the morning the milk was gone, the cookies had been eaten and the carrots were distributed.
Rian found a bike under the tree from Santa...
...that she immediately took for a spin around the house...
...and ended with her running over one of Randy's gifts and ripping it wide open. The present ninja strikes again!
Thank you hugs after exchanging gifts.
And the kiddos's big present from Santa...an air hockey table. (Rory also got a couple of toys that were on his list from Santa.)
Yeah I'm pretty sure that is illegal to block the goal Rian!
Randy gets the
best dad award for working on this ferris wheel for Rory.
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12.23: We did in fact take Ralphie with us to Cali, and the next morning we found him hanging out by a small village waiting for us to open presents.
That night while waiting for the Tooth Fairy, I made Ralphie's gift and placed it under the tree at my parents's house.
12.24: Once again we found him hanging out in a village, and wearing the earmuffs I made him.
12.25: Rory worried how Ralphie would get home to the North Pole, and I told him that Santa would make sure he would get home. And sure enough, he did.
I'm pretty sure the magic of Christmas will be different next year as Rory gets older, but as far as I'm concerned, as long as there is magic, I'm ok with that. And maybe next year he can help me spread the magic around for Rian :0) !
Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip so memorable and for all the gifts that we brought home. We are truly blessed and are grateful for the family we have. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, I know we sure did!!!
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Mini Tour (kinda!)
I always like to add in a little bit of my holiday decor, so that I can see how it changes over the years. And I have to admit that sometimes I have to look back at previous years to see where certain items were placed. A few weeks ago a friend of mine said that I should post a holiday home tour, but let's face it, with only four short weeks to work with and two very energetic kiddos running around, I just couldn't capture complete rooms with all the holiday decor. And as much as I was flattered that she was interested in seeing my home decorated, I could barely keep my head afloat this season. So instead of a complete home tour, I managed to capture some of my favorite spots around the house.
I like to have themes in each room, and since the Christmas tree was between the living room and dining room, and visible from the entryway, I made this area all about Santa and the idea of believing.
Harringtonville, our Christmas village made it to the dining room table this year to add to the magic of the room. I spy the kiddos's frosted Christmas trees in the village.
My kitchen is always about vintage, regardless of the season, but especially during the holidays. The ribbon is my favorite on this wreath.
The kitchen table helps blend my vintage kitchen decor with the cabin decor in my family room.
My skis and Christmas delivery truck are in addition to the red buffalo check throw and the moose and bear pillows I have on the couches that I've had for years. There's lit pine garland that hangs from the stair banister that is adorn with our knit stockings. I love the idea of snuggling up in a cabin during the holidays.
Next year it is my hope that I will take some photos as I get my holiday decor up so that I can provide a proper tour. Fingers crossed!!! :0) Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
-aMie
