Christmas

**This is a very picture-heavy post- be warned!**

This year, we spent Christmas Eve at home with our family (my brothers, my dad, and Matt's best friend "Uncle Shawn"). The kids could hardly contain themselves through dinner, busting at the seams to get to those presents! Finally, it was time

Papa helped Xandra open things up.

While the kiddos were busy, the big boys played.

My brother Nick

All 3 of my brothers: Tommy, Mike, Nick

Yeah, he's a goofball. It's why we love him so much! 

Then, the real fun began. There is absolutely no visit by the uncles & Papa that doesn't include rough-house time! The kiddos live for their visits!

Look at that excitement- they KNOW what's coming!!!

The kids finally settled down again (once they had worn everyone out!), and began playing with their new toys.

"Uncle Shawn" (Matt's best friend, & our adopted uncle to the kids) tapped into his inner little girl & played Monster High with Xandra

Milo mixed Marvel & DC comics toys & had a blast playing on the kitchen floor.
He refused to let anyone else play with him. 

They always have such a good time with the family. And, thanks to that rough-housing, they went to bed without any arguments & were out in no time! Time for Santa to come!

And boy! Did Santa come!! We were overflowing with gifts this year. I feel so overwhelmingly blessed to be able to provide this for my babies. After the horrific & tragic events earlier this month.... I am trying not to take anything for granted. That I can spend this day (& all days) with my kids, is a huge blessing. 

As for today, Christmas morning... 

I don't think Xandra could have a better expression- she was so excited!

I think the kiddos were pretty happy with what they saw. 

I didn't get nearly as many pictures this morning as I wanted. The kiddos just move too fast! And there weren't as many helping hands this morning as we had last night. I wish my lighting was better & the pictures weren't so grainy. But it was 7 am... so I'll take what I can get! 

The rest of our day was spent wallowing in the consumerism that is Christmas. There were no intentions of getting myself or the kiddos out of our pj's- and we succeeded! I love lazy days soaking in the kids! We'll get moving once again soon... though the weathermen are calling for a blizzard later tonight... so we'll see just how much we're able to get done in the next few days!