Christmas 2012

Once again we celebrated Christmas Eve this year at my parents' house in Issy.  Both Eric's and Chris's families were able to join us which always makes the evening so much funner.  As always, we had a delicious turkey dinner with all of the trimmings thanks to my mother and all of her hard work.  We then had our traditional, Christmas Eve program complete with reenacting the nativity story, singing some Christmas carols, and lighting my parents' tree with the candles.  It is always such a special evening and I am grateful that we live close enough to always be able to share it with my side of the family. 

 

Logan exploring the area behind my parents' Christmas tree.

 

 

The children listening to Natalee's instructions before ringing their bells.

 

 

Our "bell choir" in action.

 

 

Callie and Garrett had the roles of Mary and Joseph this year.

 

 

The entire gang minus my Lia after finishing the reenactment of the nativity story.  Unfortunately Lia got her feelings hurt because she didn't get to play the role of the angel and sulked in the other room for most of the story.  Sadly there was nothing I could do to convince her to join the group...

 

 

A semi-sulking Lia agreed to sing Christmas carols on papa's lap afterwards.

 

 

Eric helping Brynn light one of the highest candles on the tree.  I'm sure this isn't something you see in every home on Christmas Eve.

 

 

My parents' tree all lit up and glowing.

 

 

We enjoyed our first Christmas morning ever at our own home this year since we have always spent the night at my parents' house since we moved to Washington.  It was so nice to be home and share this special morning with our two children.  Lia enjoyed opening her plethora of Ariel gifts and Logan had the time of his life roaming around in the living room getting into everything.  Here is Logan trying out his new walker courtesy of Aunt Austin and Uncle Robbie.

 

 

My two cuties in front of the tree after the gift opening was complete!

 

 

Lia had woken up with a cold on Christmas Eve morning and by the afternoon of Christmas day it had completely blossomed into the flu that my cousin's children had the previous week (and apparently shared with Lia at our extended Christmas party a few days earlier).  As a result, Lia spent the REST of Christmas day and evening laying on the couch resting and sleeping.  It was so sad.  She didn't even have the energy to play with any of her toys after opening them.  Oh well.  There's always next year...

 

 

We were treated by a visit from my parents on Christmas night.  They joined us for dinner and some more gift opening.  It was so nice to have them in our home--especially since it had been such a quiet day with Lia not feeling well and Logan taking both of his naps.  Here is Logan assisting Ron in opening one of his gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.

 

 

Lia looking on while Grandma opened one of her gifts from us.

 

 

Grandma helping Lia with some gift opening.

 

 

My mom gave me a jar of homemade, raspberry jam as one of my stocking stuffers.  Logan was absolutely fascinated with it and kept on bending over to suck on its lid.  Silly boy.

 

 

The Hartland fam with a sick Lia (complete with her comfy cozy blanket and a tissue) in front of our Christmas tree.

 

 

We were able to drag Lia off of the couch for a few minutes in the evening in order to complete an adorable scavenger hunt that her Aunt Austin had made for her with an actual American Girl doll at the end of it!  Lia couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her doll. It was the perfect way to end the day.  Thank you, Aunt Austin and Uncle Robbie, for being so generous!