Another Christmas is in the books! On Christmas Eve, I feel like I'm a high school student frantically finishing up a test, quickly marking the last few rectangles on my Scantron and hoping it turns out okay. It's a great feeling, though, when you can just simply celebrate Christ's birth with your extended family. No more shopping or baking or cleaning...just enjoying. So here are some snapshots from our family's Christmas celebration.
Two days before Christmas, we had the Olsons and Moores over at our house for some hot chocolate and goodies. Calvin and his cousin, Nolan, enjoyed videos on the computer. I love this picture!
The next day, we enjoyed Christmas Eve Mass at Little Flower, then headed over to the home of Perry's sister, Carolyn, for a fantastic meal and lots of unwrapping of presents.
Here is my handsome little guy, Calvin. I cannot believe how grown up he is. I long for the days when he was a baby, but I truly LOVE this age. He is so entertaining!
Perry was in charge of photo-taking on this night. He didn't take many pictures...sorry! Here is Calvin opening the present that sat under our tree for a LOOOOONG time. He wanted to open that present so badly. It's a Hot Wheels race track and garage that he has played with nonstop since we got home.
Grandpa Jim looks on while the gifts are opened.
Sorry...no pictures of Natalie from that night! Luckily, every Olson is armed with a camera at all times, so there are many pictures out there, just not on my computer at the moment.
So, that night, we packed up the van and headed north to Sherwood to celebrate Christmas Day with the Millers.
That morning, Calvin discovered his new kitchen left behind by Mr. Claus. He loved it, but the most coveted gift of all was a xylophone left for his cousin, Stella. Typical.
Ahhhh, Christmas morning in Sherwood. It's hard for me to imagine not being there every year. After a few minutes of playing with the "Santa toys," Calvin, Stella, and Harper ran in to Grandma and Papa's room, yelling and shining a flashlight in their faces. They should know better than to try and sleep in on Christmas morning.
Finally! A picture of Natalie, who made out like a bandit on Christmas...as always.
My favorite gift for her is this beautiful little pearl necklace that was given to my mom when she was a little girl by her Aunt Elsie. It fits Natalie's tiny little neck perfectly. Natalie looks half asleep, but it's just because I always seem to get pictures of her with her eyes mid-blink. No matter how many pictures I take, 80% of them turn out like this!
More gift opening with Daddy...
I love Harper's hair in this picture. She is such a little sweetheart!
Play food for Calvin's kitchen set. I now regret purchasing a set with 125 pieces.
Calvin's new nighttime buddy, Biscuit. He's in love.
Harper and her daddy (my brother, Steve).
Apparently, my dad likes booze. He's stocked up for a good two weeks now. Just kidding, Dad.
Calvin ate approximately 16 pieces of banana bread before breakfast even began.
Cars...Calvin's one true love.
My favorite part of the day...Christmas Day breakfast. My mom is the best cook in the world. Seriously.
Post-unwrapping rest time. Being in Sherwood is great because Daddy is with us ALL day...no work and no refereeing.
That night, the kids were all about playing with the new kitchen set.
Brother and sister, enjoying Christmas Day together. Next year, we'll have a 9 month old to add to the pictures. That seems so strange to me! Life just keeps getting better every day.
Merry Christmas from the Olsons!
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| Our Christmas tree, 2012. |
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