merry and bright

Merry Christmas!

I can't get over how cute our Christmas card photo turned out this year. I had about 15 minutes to pick outfits, grab my camera, and snap a picture in the backyard since I was trying to get our cards ordered before a big sale ended. The weather/lighting cooperated, I managed to find a cute sweater for Colin in his stack of hand-me-downs, a coordinating shirt for Mae, AND get both kids smiling at the camera! A Christmas miracle, indeed. I also took a photo of the four of us. Thank goodness for camera timers.

We have established a pretty good set of traditions, considering this is only our 3rd year spending Christmas at home! Last night we went to Mass, picked up Chinese takeout (and McDonald's for the kiddos), watched "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street," set out cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer, and read "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." Then Dan and I sipped one of the caffeine-free blends from my tea advent calendar while watching "White Christmas."

Colin woke around 7:15, but we had to wait another hour for Mae to get up so we could open presents! Colin especially loved ripping the wrapping paper, and both kids tore through their presents quickly. I spent the morning assembling Mae’s new Playmobil Crystal Palace. She was sooo excited since she’s been hoping for a castle for a long time! Colin spent the morning rolling around in shredded wrapping paper and getting dizzy on his sit 'n spin.

Mae was hoping for a white Christmas, but instead it was almost 70 degrees. In the afternoon, we went to the playground and played with our new Velcro catch toy.

We headed home when it started drizzling, warmed up in the shower, and then snuggled up under my new weighted blanket (which I am also currently under.) Colin didn’t want to come out! Between traveling, sniffling, and possibly teething, he just hasn't been his cheerful self lately. I hope he starts feeling better soon!

Lastly, just had to share these cute fingerprint creations Mae made using her new stamp pad and Ed Emberley drawing book. I remember making these same animals when I was little!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!