Christmas Joy

Christmas has come and gone.  The decorations have all been taken down and now all that's left is the memories of the most joyful holiday.  And a few more toys laying around.  

It was another quiet Christmas around here with our family of four.  We attended the family Christmas Eve service at church then came home, had a quick dinner, watched some holiday shows, and got ready for Santa's arrival that night.  Savannah set out a hefty plate of treats and a glass of chocolate milk for the jolly guy.  Then they sprinkled reindeer food out on the lawn and got ready for bed.  

setting out Santa's cookies

making sure everything is ready for Santa

time for bed

Savannah was the first to wake up on Christmas morning and it took a lot of bargaining to keep her from running downstairs before Walker woke up.  Luckily he woke up within 15 minutes and then we all went down together and found surprises for everyone.  Savannah specifically asked for two things, roller skates and a telescope, and thanks to Santa and Uncle Harlan she got them both.  She also received quite a few Barbies and the Malibu house, arts and crafts, a razor scooter, clothes, new Uggs, and a few other odd and ends.  Walker received his own scooter, several new train cars, Thomas the train raincoat and boots, superhero sets, a couple smart wheels sets to add to his track, and a train carrying case.  They were both more than thrilled with all their surprises and seeing them so happy was the best gift yet.

heading downstairs to see the presents

"he ate the cookies!"

W is a little unsure about what's going on

Barbie Malibu house from Uncle Obie and fam

princess guitar from Uncle Michael

Thomas boots and superhero toys!

Thomas raincoat

a Thomas train!!!!

he could care less about the other unopened gifts

my loves!

both kiddos got new scooters

After all gifts had been opened and all the wrapping paper had been cleared away we all got dressed to have lunch at the Carolina Inn.  Unfortunately it wasn't the greatest meal but it gave us a chance to get dressed up and sit down without all the new toy distractions and enjoy lunch together in a nice, festive setting.  After lunch it was nap time for Walker while Savannah played with her new toys.  Later that afternoon we all went for a family run around the neighborhood to burn off some yummy Christmas treats.

all ready for lunch

Santa came back to make sure everyone was happy with their presents

and now she acts shy

if she only knew how much she takes after her dad......

so very thankful for these 3

afternoon family run

he loves the scooter

We all went to bed that night feeling so blessed and so very thankful.  It was such a magical time leading up to the big day and I always find myself a little sad on Christmas night after the climax has passed.  And so at times like that I try to remind myself of the real reason for the season and I try to make a point to keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the rest of the year.  And if Savannah won't allow me to take her pink tree down, it will always feel like the Christmas season in her room :)