The Y Family: Christmas 2011

In a flash Christmas is over. We muster through all of the preparation, stress, and excitement for something that comes and goes in the blink of an eye. But would we trade it for anything, especially Christmas morning when the kids see that Santa has indeed deposited gifts under the tree? No.

Before we cover all of the Christmas photos, let’s back up a bit. Grandma Y and Aunt Ashley spent the holiday with us.

Look familiar? The kids and Mocha were anxiously awaiting their arrival just as they had for Grandpa Y the week before (minus Abby who had been sleeping that particular day).

One night we went to dinner at Buffalo Wings and Rings. While this is an adorable picture of Abby doing her scrunchy face, it isn’t the point of this particular story.

This story is about Gavin who was aching to play the ‘claw’ game. Ever since Toy Story he begs to play these games. The first and only time he played several weeks ago he didn’t win. He was devastated.

But this night, he didn’t just win once…

…he won twice! Talk about shocking! With the help of Grandma, Gavin managed to get two toys out of the “claw” machine.

The next day was Christmas Eve.

Shiny Armor had taken his place at the top of the tree for his last day with us before heading back to the North Pole until next year.

The kids were dressed for the children’s service at church.

During service, Gavin and Abby made their way up front to hear the special children’s message. Abby wandered away a few times but Gavin kept her in line as best as he could. When that failed a kind gentleman up front redirected her forward. And no, she would not give up the snack.

Everyone looked beautiful in their Christmas Eve dress.

After a delicious dinner we set out the cookies, milk, carrots, and note to Santa.

We read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, as is Christmas tradition.

The kids went to bed, the elves did some work, and before we knew it, Christmas morning was here.

Gavin was thrilled!

While Abby was excited, she was also still groggy. I had to work at 6:45am so we had the kids up just before 5am to open presents.

Gav and Abby started on their stockings. It was a slow process with the little princess. She was not awake enough to do anything quickly.

Not to mention, when Abby would get things out of her stocking she didn’t want to put them downShe would struggle to open gifts while still holding on to the things she’d already opened.

Gavin was eager to get through all of his presents. He was so excited!

This particular toy has barely left his hands the last couple days. He’s having so much fun playing games. The great thing is he doesn’t even realize he’s actually learning things from the games.

Abby finally woke up a bit and got more into the present opening action.

Grandma helped Abby with some more of her gifts.

Here we are standing in the aftermath!

While I was at work all of the toys came out of their packaging and the kids had a busy day of play. Ashley, Brandon, and Grandma got the turkey cooking and prepared for Christmas dinner.

Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Julianne, and Uncle Jay came over to join us for dinner.