So Christmas is my all time favorite holiday and I like things to go pretty much the way I have planned. Well, that did not happen this year. We had lots of rearranging and changing of plans. After reflecting on all the pictures I came to the realization that everything was just fine, even with a few changes. We got to spend a ton of time with family and for that I am thankful. So here it goes........I will include pictures at the end.
Thursday, December 22 we had our day planned out. Finish a few things around the house, pick up a few more presents, and then home to start our Christmas baking. Then the phone rings. It was Jason's work calling him in on Christmas morning from 5:30am to 5:30pm. I was crushed. Avery's first Christmas to really get the whole Santa leaving her presents, wrapping paper, etc. There was no option, he had to go. So then I had to put my big girl panties on, that is after I cried for a good hour, and start making plans. First on the agenda was calling Santa Claus. He had to know that we were placing a special request for him to see a special little girl have her Christmas "Eve" morning. Everything got moved up a day. Santa was more than happy to come a day early for little Avery. So I got home and tried to finish everything I could to get in order.
Friday, December 23 we went to Sherman to have Christmas with Jason's dad and brother. The Glover's and the William's all meet for lunch and then went back to Papaw's house to open presents. It was a nice visit. Then we headed to my dad's parent's house for the Burrus Christmas. My grandma cooked dinner and we all opened presents. Avery had so much fun opening her gifts. After leaving my grandparents, we, along with my parents and Lindsey, drove out to Loy Lake to look at the Christmas lights. Then back to McKinney to put little Avery to bed so Santa could finally stop at our house! It was a late night for momma, getting the breakfast casserole ready and dipping the strawberries in the chocolate for breakfast! With the milk and cookies put in place, my head hit the pillow like a ton of bricks.
Saturday, December 24 Avery decided to sleep till like 10am. Of all mornings. We were literally pacing the floor waiting on her to wake up. I tried making noise in the kitchen hoping she would hear me upstairs. Nothing. When she finally woke up, we brought her downstairs, camera rolling, to watch her reaction. She ran into the living room and scoped everything out. She kind of looked at us like, "is this stuff for me". After mommy and daddy looked everything over that Santa had brought we made a bet as to which present she would go after first. We both thought her new Daisy Duck stuffed animal, but she went for her new baby stroller. We got to spend all morning and early afternoon together after eating breakfast playing with all her toys and just enjoying each other. No where to rush off too. It was really nice. That evening we got all dressed up and went to Christmas Eve service. Gigi went with us. That night Jason went to bed early because he had to leave out by 4am. I wonder if he saw Santa flying around at that hour!
Sunday, December 25 Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus! Avery and I started our day off at Gigi and Papaw's house with all of Gigi's family. We had lunch, played with all the cousins, and then did our annual White Elephant gift exchange. It got pretty intense this year! After white elephant, all the kids opened their gifts. After leaving Gigi and Papaw's house, I took Avery home to take a nap. A much needed nap! My parents and Lindsey came to our house to ride with us for our progressive dinner with my mom's side of the family. Jason was not suppose to get home till 7pm and he was going to meet up with us, but while on the phone with him at 5pm the garage door opens. My mom said, "who just opened the garage door?", and I instantly knew Jas was home. I love that he still surprises me! He got to enjoy the rest of the evening with us. We had appetizers at my cousin's new home, then dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house, and then everyone came back to our house for desserts and presents. It was so much fun doing something different!
Monday, December 26 we headed back over to Gigi and Papaw's so Jason could spend time with his family. He missed spending time with them because he was at work. We had lunch and all exchanged gifts. We spent the day lounging and letting the kids play. It was nice.
Even though plans changed, Christmas was celebrated when everyone was together. I thought to myself, is there ever going to be a Christmas where I remember everything, where we are not running around like crazy, where we get to go and do everything we planned on doing (like not getting to go see Shrek the Halls or ride the Polar Express with our friends). And I came to the conclusion, probably not. The holidays are always going to be hectic, but I will always slow down and remember why we celebrate; it is not for the food, gifts, or decorations. It is for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and that is why we have what we have. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas celebrating with your families and Happy New Year!
Before
The mess in the middle!
After
I think she got the hang of it!
This jacket is being passed down from her cousin Tucker! She loved it and wanted to put it on.
Santa the Elf helped mommy get everything ready for Santa. Their was cookie crumbs all over the table and Santa left the fireplace door wide open. He must have been in a hurry!
Avery must have been a really good girl this year. Santa was very good to her!
Breakfast Christmas Eve morning after Santa had come to visit us!
She loved her "pack pack".
Home after church
Standing in front of Gigi and Papaw's Christmas tree.
Eating good.
I won the Ninja in White Elephant. Colton could do a info commercial for it though!
Cheese
Thank you Nana and Papa!
Annual cousin picture
The cousins with their families.
Avery loved these so Uncle Wayne moved them so she could get her picture with them.
Last stop on the progressive dinner, our house.
My beautiful necklace that my Aunt Kim and Uncle Wayne got me with Avery's 1st Birthday picture in it. This is my all time favorite picture of her and I just love it!
Santa came at Nana and Papa's house so they brought it to Avery
He loved what we got him!
And so did McKinley!
She loved her umbrella
