Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6

It's hard to believe Christmas is over for another year.  We have had a very busy couple of days, but lots of fun!  

Christmas Eve was spent attending our traditional candlelight service at Orchard Hill and then we went over to my parents' house for snacks and hang out time.  This year we actually brought James into the service because he woke up from his nap with a fever and we couldn't put him in the nursery.  It was so much fun because he really enjoyed all of the lights and the music and actually joined in for some of the  Christmas carols.  He was so sweet and did very well during the entire service.  He just sat quietly on daddy's lap and he LOVED the candles at the end.  It ended up being fun and special to have him with us.  

Christmas morning we had breakfast and opened gifts at home with the kids.  Drew got a new bass guitar and rollerblades.  James loved his things, but would have been content with just one or two gifts.  He was a little overwhelmed and we actually still have a few gifts under the tree for him to open.  Ethan had just one small gift to open... a little hand puppet book I got him.  He loved the paper!

After opening gifts at our house we headed to Nana and Pop's for Christmas with the cousins.  This year my mom had set the dining room table set for a lovely breakfast.  We always have monkey bread at her house, which I love!  I wait all year for that gooey caramel, cinnamon goodness.  It is the best!  We let the kids run around and play while we sat and enjoyed coffee, fruit and monkey bread.  Then we opened stocking presents and the kids opened their gifts.  

It was nearly 2:00 by the time we pulled out of their driveway.  We came home and everyone napped for a few hours, which was fabulous!  Then we loaded the kids back into the mini and away we went to Harmony for Christmas with Paul's side of the family.  We feasted on ham, turkey, creamy potato casserole, vegetables and rolls and later sang happy birthday to Jesus and ate cake.  Then the kids  opened their gifts for the third time.  By the time we got back in the car we were thoroughly exhausted, but it was a wonderful evening!

Now we are back home enjoying some much needed down time with nothing on the calendar.  I always enjoy having time with family and sharing in traditions.  There is so much excitement that comes along with the many events.  But it's also nice to get back to quiet and routine.   The boys are loving playing with all of their new things!

I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

~Psalm 7:17