CHRISTMAS 2011

The wait is over!! Yes, we did celebrate Christmas this year. And YES it was in December. And YES it is now February and I’m blogging about it.

Christian and I were a little worried about Christmas this year since neither of us have jobs. However, we have been immensely blessed this whole year and Christmas was no exception. It helps that we have such great kids and they would be excited for new socks if we made it exciting enough.

We started off by going out to Grandma and Grandpa Alo’s for a few days before and after Christmas. We had Christmas Eve out in Raleigh with my parents and had a fun dinner with them. We decided instead of making a big dinner that the kids would most certainly underappreciate, we went with an appetizer themed dinner. Buffalo wings, Mexican sausage dip, fresh fruit, etc. It was really good and way easier. We headed home that evening and rolled up to Baity Hill to see this:

We couldn’t even get past all of the fire trucks and ambulance's. Apparently someone’s dryer caught on fire (in a different building) and they brought out all the big guns. I do kind of love that their fire trucks are Carolina Blue. We ended up walking to our building and moving our car later. As tradition, we let each of the kids open one present on Christmas eve.

And set out Santa’s gift from us. Since we didn’t have time to bake something when we got home we thought it would be a good idea to make sure Santa kept up with his dental hygiene. The kids were very proud of themselves.

Christmas morning certainly did not disappoint. Instead of boring you with all of the details I’ll just put up a few of my favorite pictures of the kids expressions. Kalea (as always) is calm and collected. Mia get’s excited. Landen… well, he just takes the cake.

    

If you know Landen at all, you know this kid is OBSESSED with Mario Brothers. He got both Mario and Luigi for Christmas along with Donkey Kong, Toad, and Yoshi. This boy was in H*E*A*V*E*N.

     

We woke up a certain baby girl a little bit early for her taste. She was none too happy and certainly not impressed by Christmas morning. She went back to bed pretty much immediately after she opened her toys.

Ok, I’m over this. Time…. to… roll… over.

Christian and I weren’t left out, we both got some new clothes and I got a new bag which I’m in love with. Not to mention a fancy new waffle iron and a SEWING MACHINE (which I have absolutely no idea how to use). And Christmas would not be complete at UNC without new attire.

After a delicious waffle breakfast we headed out back to Raleigh. We headed over to my parents to stay for a few more days. The kids were spoiled rotten by their Grandparents. Here are a few more pictures to overload you with.

We’ll start with Alana first this time since she went last last time. Grandpa held her most of the time and helped her open up her presents. I love how she and her new puppy are checking each other out.

Anything involving jewelry and beauty Kalea is ALL OVER IT.

Mia has been asking for 2 years for Gogo. Last year she asked for it and we explained that it was SO expensive it would be one of her only gifts if that’s what she wanted to have for Christmas. She burst into tears. It was really sad. This year Grandma got her the “pet” of her dreams. Lucky girl!

Mario Backpack. Landen. No explanation needed.

Then we headed over to the Simpsons where mass chaos erupted. We would expect no less from Christmas at the Simpson home. We got a big group shot with most but not all of the cousins that were there. Great memories for the kids!

(GUESS WHICH KID IS MINE)

And of course a silly shot.

The kids always get a big box with it loaded with treats from Grandma and Grandpa Simpson. This year it contained a family calendar, tons of snacks and goodies, and an Eternal Marriage book to keep Christian in check. Just kidding.

And of course it wouldn’t be complete without lots and lots of FAMILY.