Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christas Eve! 

Who doesn't need a Chrsitmas Eve selfie of me?! Nobody... Here ya go!  You're welcome. 

Jim and the peanut. 

Christmas festivities started off with dinner at Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jess' (my brother and sister-in-law) house. Pizza and present opening happened. Zachary is starting to mingle and mix with the kids and the kids love playing with his toys... Pretty much all of the kids. A good baby toy never gets old. ;) We tried for a cousin shot but it didn't work out incredibly well though... Still fun to see them all together. 

We headed to 7:00 Mass with my parents and Uncle Mark (my other brother). It was at my childhood church and pretty cool to be back. The priest there is AMAZING! All the kids were good. Even Emily lasted the whole Mass in the pew. She may have spent about 20 minutes swiping my debit card along the pew back, but hey, quiet two year old is a win in my book. 

It was a really nice night with my side of the family.  Home we came, photos we snapped and off to bed they went! 

Santa arrived and Jim and I went to bed too! 

Oh, the kids had gifts FOR Santa this year. :) They drive me bonkers and I often wonder what the heck I am doing, but sometimes sweet qualities shine through. All 3 big kids wanted to give back to Santa so these were set out for Santa to take home with him: 

 

Christmas morning came and the bigger three opened their presents bright and early. 

We ate cinnamon rolls and at 9:00 Emily rolled out of bed and opened hers as well. 

Around lunch time we headed to Jim's family's house for the rest of the day.  It's a neat dynamic there. Jim is one of six and it is very fun being around everyone. I hope our future Christmases are like that. Full of family!  

The kids get gifts from their Grandparents and their Godparent(s). This year it was really neat to watch the kids pair off with their Godparent and exchange gifts. I know it's not all about presents... Just seeing the Godparent/Godchild bond was cool. 

(Elizabeth and Aunt Meghan)

(Emily and Aunt Madelyn)

June, Josh, and Annie are Laura's Godchuldren buuuuut the photo didn't turn out. Boo. The uncles are Godparents too... Jake has Josh and the newest uncle, Kyle (Laura's husband) is Annie's Godfather. We haven't used Luke yet, but I'm sure he will turn Godfather in the coming years.

The rest of the day was spent playing with toys and Aunts and Uncles. We walked over to Jim's Grandma's house and saw the extended family. It was a good Christmas. 

Brothers: Jake, Jim, and Luke

We wrapped up celebrations by seeing my extended family at my Aunt's house the day after Christmas. I didn't snap a single photo (boo), but it was a really great evening. 

All in all, a good and successful Christmas was has accomplished. It was a very magical year. Lots of believing and excitement. This is the type of year I will miss when they are all big and grown. Every child under our roof was fully captivated by the Christmas magic. I don't know if that will last another year so this was one to treasure.  Let's not forget the Birthday Boy who is the reason for this all too. Without Him, there would be none of this. Wonderful wonderful holiday, beautiful beautiful!