Christmas Eve was spent finishing up a few last minute tasks in the morning before Skyping with Grandma and Grandpa Gilbert so we could open the gifts they had sent. It was so fun to still share Christmas together from 800 miles away, and have them watch the kids open their presents. Technology these days, how cool.
After our Skype date, we headed straight to Red Rocks Church where we met my parents, Siri and Raum. Such a good service and message, and an inspiring way to prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus' birth. The older I get, the more content I am during Christmas to simply rest in the amazing gift that Jesus is to this world, my family, me. I love all of the extras that come with the holiday season, but that's nothing without the peace, love, and grace I have come to know through faith.
Family love.
Cousin love.
Grandparent love.
The kids showing off their fun gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Schaefer!
Ryker and Raum were captivated by Raum's new dinosaur.
Christmas Jammies!
Our kids were thrilled Christmas morning to realize that Santa had come! We headed downstairs where Santa had left their stockings and a few gifts by the fireplace.
Ready to see what Santa brought!
After opening their Santa gifts, we went up by the tree to open their gifts from Mom and Dad. We started by having each kid open one gift at a time while we all watched - you can see how much "help" they were willing to give each other! All three were thankful for the gifts they got, but I was especially proud of Sydney's gratefulness. At one point, she opened a gift and came across the tissue paper first. She exclaimed, "Oh look, I got crumpled up paper!" She was not joking at all, she seriously thought that was her gift, and was happy about it. Sweet girl. I know she was caught up in the excitement of the morning, but she showed that much enthusiasm for each gift she got regardless of what it was.
Love my boys!
Myles and his Spider-Man Munny. The main thing he'd been asking for after watching somebody put one together on a You-Tube video countless times!
Ryker and his new canvases custom painted by my dear friend, Amie. They are now hanging in his dinosaur room and look amazing!
After opening gifts, cleaning up, and having breakfast, we spent the next couple of hours opening packages, playing with new toys, hanging new wall hangings in each of the kids' rooms, and getting ready for family to come over.
From top left: Sydney and Myles checking out the vacuum that Santa brought the kids, Sydney playing with new play-doh and decorating her jewelry box in her Frozen dress, Ryker running back and forth on bubble wrap - apparently more fun than any of his new toys!
My parents, Siri, and Raum arrived early afternoon. Danny and Nel flew in that afternoon (their first visit back to the states from Israel in 17 months!), which was a huge highlight of the day. We had a super yummy dinner of steak and salmon thanks to Gilby, and enjoyed the company of family. A fabulous Christmas.
And the days after...
Gilby and I both took the next week off of work, and it felt like an extended holiday with family around and a trip to the mountains (blog to come).
Wrestling with Uncle Danny!
Ryker and Danny manning the fire together.
Uncle David and Tori came into town the day after Christmas! Here David is sorting the dinosaur collection he brought to hand down to his great nephews. A fun display for Ryker's dinosaur room!
More cousin fun!
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