Christmas Celebrations, Part 4

Christmas Day (brunch time through early evening) is typically spent at my parents house.

This has been the ritual in years past... except this year, my little family arrived both late and incomplete. My heart is heavy this Christmas with the family rift that continues to bring pain and sadness to us and has completely changed our idea of normal. It is unfair and I want so badly for it to just go away.

But since I choose instead not to dwell on what I am unable to change right now, I'm going to focus my thoughts and gratitude on the three happy hours I spent with (most of) my loved ones. (And hopefully next year will be different.)

Upon arrival after nap time, Will, Sophie and I were greeted by these two cuties who had been sniffling and coughing their way through the holidays. Poor babies. It's never fun to be sick, let alone when there are countless parties to attend in a short period.

Stella wore her pretty, new tutu over her jammies. :)

Mya was just not herself - super quiet and snuggly and not really interested in playing.

Will got right to work opening presents. It seems his method is to rip without pause and then play and enjoy and act interested later.

A large Case combine and front end loader.

Will got some new toys to help him learn to tell time from Casey & Wes.

Sophie got a Melissa & Doug Band in a Box set and a new Cabbage Patch baby doll.

My "baby brother" Zach (age 21) in his best Christmas Day attire. :)

Amanda & Taylor had to party hop back and forth to Pemberville multiple times today but it was nice to see them for a short time. Amanda got the kids each a nice gift and gave us a free night of babysitting to go out on a date. So nice!

Sophie adores her Nana. She gets so excited to see her and loves & hugs on her constantly.

You'll never guess what he's doing here... Yes! Helping others open their gifts again! How did you know? He's so thoughtful.

Story time with Papa. Such a sweet picture of Mya & Sophia.

Stella & Nana join in.

Can you just feel how much he loves having his picture taken?

Reading his new book from Amanda.

We had a delicious dinner and Casey made gingerbread cookies for dessert.

Somebody's feeling grumpy after a long day!

Little Dub & Big Dub (or Uncle Dub).

{"Dub" came from the "W's" at the beginning of both their names. :)}

This was so funny. Will had been begging to play with Nana's Nativity Scene for a long time. So finally we're here and he's playing... and he decides to incorporate his new Honda CBR motorcycle... :)

Who needs a donkey? This is a much more efficient way to get to Bethlehem, no? LOL

My mom's tree was gorgeous.

Stella, Sophia & Mya

Poor Stella did not want to do this. But I LOVE Mya's face in this picture. So cute!

Cousins.

What cracks me up about this picture is that you can easily spot the bookworms in each family. ;) Mya & Will are both the kids that constantly bring books to mom or dad to read.

Sharing.

Our time there felt brief and I wish things could have been different. But we did enjoy every minute with cousins. There were lots of gifts I didn't get a chance to photograph, but I'm sure they will be showcased in future posts during play time: an easel, a new set of building blocks, a sit 'n spin, a kids Sequence game, etc.

We stayed in jammies ALL DAY. Christmas Day was very relaxing. :)