Christmas 2010

We spent Christmas eve at the Bryant's home (Rob's mom and step-dad). Rob's sister, Gloria and her family were there along with many other family members and friends. We had a lovely time!

Ashlyn in her Christmas dress, Aunt Gloria, Camryn, and Kyle

Aunt Gloria, Kyle, Kaden and Uncle Greg

The Bean

Uncle Greg and Camryn

Ryan and Kaden

Camryn and Ryan

Grandpa Tom, Camryn, Brooke

Ryan with his new drill

Christmas eve we got home and my parents came over to open the gifts amongst the adults so that Christmas morning would just about the kids.

Boppa and Ashlyn

Christmas day we opened Ryan's handful of gifts and later that day shared a dinner with my Uncle Jack, cousin Heather, my parents, brother, and Rob's dad and his wife Nancy (a.k.a. Nana).

 

Merry Christmas, Ryan!

Making "smoovies" together.

Merry Christmas, Ashlyn!

Christmas morning - discovering his stocking

Ashlyn's stocking

Merry Christmas, sweetie

Those might be the cutest slippers I've ever seen! Thanks Grandma!!

New construction hat from Ms. Lynne!

Ryan's gift from Santa - a CHAINSAW!!!

Cut, cut, cutting!

Hard to say who's having more fun :)

Helping Ashlyn open her gift

Later that day: A "gift" from our annual White Elephant gift exchange

Always LOTS of fun and laughter

Torching the creme brulee

Nana and Grandpa Bob

The festivities

want. need. wear. read. share.

I love Christmas. I am ready to get the decorations out of the attic, put the lights on the house, sip hot cocoa and trim the tree. I will be waiting until after Thanksgiving...reluctantly so. 

BUT, while I am already looking forward to stockings being hung, bedazzling the gifts under the tree, and seeing the wonder on Ryan's face Christmas morning, I am also aware of the need to simplify Christmas for our children. All children love Christmas and of course, Christmas gifts. But I have the desire to teach my children that more is not better. More is just... more.

Recently, I was introduced a new gift giving idea to me. Each child receives four gifts on Christmas: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. I think we will add a fifth category for our family: something to share.

I pass this on in the hopes that it may help one family out there simplify, be intentional, and give thoughtfully. This year, that's just what I'm doing!

want. need. wear. read. share.

Pumpkin Patch

This weekend we made it to the pumpkin patch! We missed seeing Heather, Chad, and Aidan as napping schedules didn't sync up. Hopefully we will see them soon though.

The sun was shining and our boy was smiling (at least most of the time)!

Lots to explore!

More birthday photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Thank you, Heather! You always take such great photos!! We had so much fun with you guys!