The Christmas Post (in the middle of January)

It's January 13th and I'm finally getting around to writing a post about our Christmas celebrations. I've been putting it off (obviously) but a quick look through our photos inspired me to get it done and remember my favorite parts. So without further ado, here are my favorite Christmas memories from 2010...

We like to spend Christmas Eve in our own house, so that our kids can wake up to Christmas morning at home every year. That usually means it's just the four of us for Christmas Eve, which is special in its own way. We spent most of the day relaxing and cooking, and then sat down to a dinner of pork roast, potatoes, and the best green beans ever.

Then we headed off to Christmas Eve service at church, where Daddy led the worship music and Mommy spent most of the time in the nursery with the kiddos.

We made sure to leave some cookies out for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer, and then it was off to bed. Lauren was so excited--it definitely took me back to those nights before Christmas as a kid, when it felt like I would never sleep.

Christmas morning started later than we anticipated, as Jon slept in until 7:15 and Lauren got up soon after that. It was a leisurely start for us, which was nice. :) Lauren was in present mode instantly. With every gift she opened, she had a great look of surprise:

followed by a sweet smile:

Very gratifying for Santa. :) And Jonathan caught on quickly, too. In true 2-year-old fashion, he wanted to play with each gift as it was opened, instead of quickly tearing into the next one. Which was just fine, as the process lasted longer that way.

We had our Christmas breakfast, followed by stockings and some fun play time with the new toys. Then it was time to head down to Oxnard for Christmas dinner with my side of the family.

Christmas night was filled with good food, lots of gifts, and plenty of noise from the four kids, ages 5 and under. The boys (Jonathan and cousin Connor) had a great time playing with their grandpa and great grandpas. Jon spent most of the night carrying around all of his new cars (his favorite gifts, by far). Lauren loved receiving more new things for her baby doll--although this was the first time that she seemed "too old" for the other cousins. At one point in the evening, she went to quietly play her video game on the stairs because she said it was "too noisy." Our girl is growing up!
(I'm including this blurry picture because it's the only one that proves I existed on Christmas Day. I'm usually the one behind the camera!)

Our last Christmas celebration was actually on New Year's Eve, which we spent up in Roseville with Gary's parents. More good food, more gifts for the kids, and time to enjoy being together. Also plenty of time playing Wii. :)
(I love that last picture for so many reasons...)

There are four "albums" of Christmas pictures over at Our Photo Site, so feel free to check out a bunch more there. (Password: alittleweyel) Thanks for taking the time to read (and I hope it wasn't too boring for you!). Happy New Year!