Christmas

This was the first Christmas in quite a long time (perhaps ever??) that our family didn't have to travel somewhere in December. It felt so relaxing! Our family of 4 opened gifts together on December 23, as we had church and family commitments on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Jaden and Cody had been counting down the days until Christmas using a paper chain from Sunday School and a sticker chart Christmas tree from pre-K, so they were very aware of which day it was each day in December. They excitedly awoke on the 23rd and told us, "It's day number 23! We get to open presents!" The first task was sorting out whose presents were whose.

We had taken the boys to the Dollar Store the day before and had them pick out presents for one another. It was so precious to watch the boys' anticipation for one another as they opened these gifts.

This picture came out a little blurry but I love Cody's excitement as Jaden is opening the gift that he picked out!

These dollar store gifts from each other (puzzles, candy, and a small vehicle) ended up being the gifts both boys said were their very favorite. If Mommy and Daddy had known they'd be that easy to please, we could've saved some time and money! :)

Of course, the gifts from Mommy and Daddy were fun to receive as well. :)

Earlier in the month, I had made sports-themed tie blankets for Jaden and Cody to coordinate with their bedroom decor. Both boys said the blankets were very comfy!

On Christmas Eve, Cody said he wasn't feeling very well but we ended up taking him to church anyway, with the thought that we could easily leave the service early if need be. I had found both of their Christmas outfits at discount places-- one at a resale store and the other at a garage sale. I thought both boys looked quite sharp!

On Christmas Day, we attended church again in the morning, since Jason was leading the service. This time, the entire family joined us at Salem. In fact, Kim even helped Jason by singing along with him to all of the music. They sounded great together! Jason did a wonderful job with the service and as part of his message, even encouraged the congregation to "be a shepherd" and spread Jesus' love in a practical way (through gifts of food, baby items, and money that he gave everyone). It was very meaningful and memorable.

Following afternoon naptime, the family met at Matt and Kim's for dinner and gift opening. Our family, unfortunately, was only half in attendance since Cody's health took a turn for the worse. All the poor kiddo wanted to do was to lay on the couch at home, even when we told him we'd be opening gifts. We found out a few days later that Cody was battling strep, so he perked up quickly once we got him on antibiotics.

Jaden and I ended up going over to Matt and Kim's while Daddy stayed home with Cody. Jaden loved his silly cousin time.

Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth pulled out some fun Christmas attire for the evening gift opening.

All of the little boys just LOVED these basketball baskets from Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth. They were most popular when used as headpieces or drums.

Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth stayed at our home for a couple days at the end of their visit. Uncle Andy showed Jaden how one of his new gifts (a cool kinetic sand kit, complete with molds to make cars and traffic cones) worked.

We were so happy that all of the Schleichers were willing to celebrate Christmas down in Texas this year. It was a fun holiday! We are thankful for the Schleicher family :)